
ii::i il fit liii 



-n.-d^ 



^°^ 




o V 




- -n^c^^ 



." Ji^' 



^o. 















.^°^ 





v-o^ 











1- AT 



"^ aV ♦jn" 
.,'^ O. ► ^^^"^^^S ' iO •7', 








MRS. ROYALL'S 



PENNSyLVAKTZA, 



OR 



TBAVELS CONTllNUE 



LY THE UNITED STATES. 



By MKS. ANNE ROVALL, 

.idhor uf '^Sketches of History, Life, and Munners in l.ht Unitod States, 
and the "7e?in(iSseca?i." 



!>.' TWO volumes; vol. II. 



WASHINGTDK:— 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR 

1829. 

V' 1. ; 




DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, to Kit: 

#******** Be it remembered, That, on the'Ninth day of Marcli 
% * in the yoar of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 

* SEAL. * and twenty-nine, and of the Independence of the Uni- 

* * ted Slates of America the fifty-third, Mrs. ^NNE 
********* ROYALL, of the said district, has deposired in the 

office of the Clerk of the District Court for the District of Cohiin- 
bla, the Title of a book, the right whereof she ciaims as author, in 
ii<e words following, to wit: 

"Mrs. RoyalPs Pennsylvania, or Travels continued in the United 
States, in two X'olumes," By iMrs. Anne Royall, author of Sketches of 
Hi^story, Life and Manners in the United States, &.c. &c. 

In conformify to the act of the Congress of the United States, en- 
titled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the 
copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of 
such copies, during the times therein mentioned;" and, alsOj^to the 
act entitled, "An act supplementary to an act entitled, "An act for the 
encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and 
Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, curing the times 
therein mentioned," and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of 
designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." 

Ill testhiwny lohereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and afftxed the 
public seal of my office, the day and year aforesaid. 

EDMUND {. LEE, 
Clerk of the Distrul Court for the iJistricI of Columhia. 



\\ %t 



MRS. ROYALL'S 



PENNSYI. V A2^I A - 



JOUItNEV TO GREENyUURU. - 

On the 28th of November, 182S, I took leave of my 
tViends in Bedford, and pursued my routt to Greensburg. 
I would fain have visited Somerset county; but had I done 
so, I would have had to give up Greensburg, which place 
1 was anxious to see, from having spent some of my in- 
fant years in the neighborhood. This circumstance alone 
induced me to forego the pleasure of seeing Somerset, 
much the largest town, and inhabited, (as I was led to be- 
lieve from the samples I had seen,) by a generous and in- 
telligent people. But I longed to see the place my infant 
feet had prfessed, and where, unsheltered from the storm, 
I braved the wild beasts, and trod the lofty forest fifty 
years since. -^ 

Hitherto I had had an agreeable lime of it through the 
state — the country delightful, and the people, generally, 
kind and hospitable; and though satisfied to the full, I an- 
ticipated still greater pleasure, and panted once more to 
see the beautiful forest, through which I used to g;Hde,' 
and for wdiich, we have no parallel in the Union. ^"^^ 

So far, all had gone on smoothly; but the scene now 
changed to perils and adventures, by no means pleasing. . 

We had a stage full of Pats, and one or two Ameri- 
cans. Two of these Pats were rather above ^thc grade 
of catial Irish, in appearance; but far below them in honor 
and principle. These were brothers: one was a narrow- 
faced, narrow-souled man; wore a cap; dressed well; 
was a merchant; lived in Nashville; was proud, empty, 



4; JOURXKY TO GKEKNSBURG. 

and arrogant as a Haytian negro-colonel. The other ua.< 
broad-faced, also a shop-keeper; and lived in Louisville, 
Htentucky. 

These TeaguCv'? vi^ere quite consequential, and looked 
down with impudent contempt upon ourselves and oar 
soil. These low Irish always remind nieof free negroes; 
and the only difference is, that the latter are more re- 
spectful in their manners, more moral, and, by a long way, 
more sober and industrious. 

Another poor, pennyless, Teague; shabby, friendless, 
disconsolate, and thinly clad, sat in one corner of the 
stage, with a red face, and shivering with cold. He was, 
by far the genteelest man in the stage. There were two 
Americans, whence I know not; nor is it material, as 
they were alike depraved and dang&rous; which wilt ap- 
pear in the end. 

I had received a packet just as I stepped into the stage; 
and the hand- writing being difficult, Teague Sharpfacci, 
with the politeness common to men of business, otliared 
to read it. The letter itself ought to have protected me 
Irom Irish impudence, if, indeed, any thing can.* 

Teague Broad/ace, who had all the appearance of an 
impudent wag, and a friend to the other, afteu reading the 
letters, seemed disposed to sing; and though he, like his 
brother, was rather overdone with brass, I encouraged 
the song, particularly as I am fond of lively songs; and, 
to do Pat justice, he sung equal to a play-actor; that is, 
with a good deal of taste. He had taken a good charge 
it tl^c tavern, and was uncommonly disposed to conversa- 
tion and mirth; and to use the old adage, give an Irish 
boor an inch and he will take an ell. 

Perceiving I was familiar and free in my conversation, 
Teague, witTi all the characteristic of his national impu- 
dence, tried, without a selection of words, how far he 
eould go in the use of unlicensed conversation. It may 
he supposed he soon found himself mistaken; and between 
myself and the driver, we forced his Teague-ship to as- 



*I am told this impudence is confined to certairv portions Of Ireland; 
mi thi'' I belicTe, as I liav© met with many ^orthj Irishmen. 



JOUUXKY TO GHLENSBUfJd. 5 

sume a more decent behavior. He begged pardon, and 
conducted himself well for several hours. 'He became 
serious, and conversed about Alabama, and repeated .the 
names of several of my friends in Moulton, Lawrence 
City; was familiar with the towns about the Muscle- 
Shoals; and became quite (as he was doubtless very ca- 
pable,) entertaining, and respectful in his deportment. 
He repeated anecdote after anecdote; and I was charmed 
and delighted with my Pat, who was by no means as vul- 
gar as the sharp faced one, I am the more particular 
about these Teagues, as by liolding them up to public 
view, it may serve to put people upon their guard, and 
not by any means meant to reform them, being beyond 
every thing but the rope. Nothing but whiskey and th^ 
rope can cure Irish impudence.,:; ■;- ,' j;' 

After the first fracas, however^: we. went on very well; 
dined at a small town, where I offered a few cents to the 
friendless Irishman, which his noble soul refused, . while 
•thbi big tear stole down his .cheek. Neither he nor any 
•trf'tihe company dined, but. myself and the two adorable 
Teagues. One of the passengers, a one, eyed knave from 
Pittsburg, it appeared, was one of the gang, and doubt- 
less, often makes the tour Irom Pittsburg over the moun- 
tait^s; for what purpose, I leaveto tliose who have hardly 
escapedvvith their. lives, to tell. ■ 

ii heard, afterwards, he was a paper-printer in Pitts- 
burg. ■ Every body knovVs him, i find; and many a tetter 
man, have 1 seen in the state prison. All these fellows, 
aiid several, hundred more, (tbough, doubtless, some have 
met with their well deserved fate,) are leagued together 
with a design to rob travellers; and tbe road is strung 
'^'ith them jrom Bedford County to Pittsburg, and far 
;6eyond, doubtless: and though they have escaped hang- 
ing, they are in a fair way to take the lash. The wo- 
man where we dined, was an English woman;, that is, not 
a German. She was, of course, a tract- woman, and, as 
I am a missionary too, I tried to convert her to common 
setise. She was very ignorant, very pious, a grea^fool, 
a great hypocrite, and to crown the whole, (as all those 
priest-ridden women are) very iiisoleat. She had plenty 
1* 



6 JOURNEY TO GUEE.VSBU»G. 

of whiskey, however, with all her piety, which suited the 
Pats better than her piety, as she was rather old and 
ligly. 

I do not know the name of the town; but it was precise- 
ly at the foot of the Allegheny mountain. 

Meantime, the pleasure of the scenery, notwithstanding 
a very cold drizzling rain, more than compensated for all 
the difficulties. 

We begin to rise rapidly, upon leaving Bedford; the 
streams dwindle down to little rills, and the vales nar- 
row as they draw near the mountain, till at length they 
disappear; and the little rill continues to run between 
two steep sloping points of the mountain, called spurs; 
at length these disappear, and we have Hothing but the 
genuine mountain, called, I think. Jack's Mountain. 

These mountains have no rocks visible, nor ever- 
greens; but are thickly covered with very handsome 
timber; the whole breathing an air of wild independence. 

A most charming valley lies at the base of the Alle- 
gheny, as smooth and level as a calm sea. It is enclos- 
ed, for the most part; overgrown with timothy, and 
thickly studded with lofty sugar-maples. I ought to have 
mentioned the maple, or sugar-tree, appears as soon as 
we arrive at the Juniata. This vale is very rich, wa- 
tered by a handsome stream, and makes a fine appearance 
from the road as we ascend the mountain. I observed in 
Vol. I. that all the rises of the Allegheny have valleys run- 
ning between and parallel to them. This is the narrow- 
est and most romantic of the whole, as the sudden pitch 
of the mountain on both sides, the elegance and symme- 
try of the beautiful umbrella-topped sugar-tree, standing, 
as it were, by magic, on the smooth shorne green, I kept 
my head turned, as long as it was in view, admiring its 
beauty. 

I had taken a receipt for my stage-fare, at Bedford, 
specifying my pleasure to travel to Greensburg, as I 
thought proper — wishing to travel by day-light, with a 
view of seeing the mountains; I intended to stop at the 
Inn on the top of the Allegheny, and take the next 
stage, which passed in the morning. 



ADVEXTUUES. 7 

Within two miles of the top, we changed horses and 
drivers, at a very suspicious, mean-looking house. My 
courage, which had often been put to trial by the impu- 
dence and rudeness of the passengers, almost failed me 
at the sight of the house and its inmates. As we stop- 
ped at the door, a gang of robber-looking men, to the 
number of eight or ten, rushfed out of the house to view 
the passengers, who all descended from the coach but 
myself, to take a fresh priming of whiskey. While 
they were in the house, those ruffians, who were impu- 
dence itself, surrounded the coach. Some would come 
up to the door and peep in; others would walk round to 
look at the boot, as if examining the baggage. At length, 
one of them addressed me in a style of insutFerable im- 
pudence. I assumed an air of courage, and ordered him 
to begone. The new driver, who was little better, by 
this time had come out of the stable with the horses, and 
hearing what passed, resented the affront bestowed upon 
his companion, with a volley of oaths, and said, "if I did not 
mind he would break my neck." Meantime, the Teague 
with the pewter-dish face, came to the door, and grinned 
from ear to ear. The ruffians being encouraged by his 
approbation, redoubled their insolence; and had I not been 
sustained by the hope of being rid of them at the distance 
of two miles, I should have given myself up for lost. The 
driver, pretending some chain or something was broke 
about the coach, purposely, as I believe, detained till 
dark. Meantime, the passengers, who had charged them- 
selves well with whiskey, entered into a plot of no hon- 
orable nature, while in the house, of which the driver 
was a partner, as appeared in the end. 

At length the passengers entered the coach, all more 
than half drunk; but imagine my feelings at seeing one of 
the ruffians, after whispering to the Pats, mount the seat 
with the driver, for which, he (the driver) ought to have 
been sent to the state-prison. This ruffian, as well as 
most of those at the house, were discarded drivers; and 
being drunken, vicious, and lazy, gathered about these 
Inns in the mountains, with a view of robbing and mur- 
dering passengers, and riding in the stages from one 
stage to another, free of cost. 



ADVENTUUKS. 



It was dark, raining, the road very deep, and we were 
without light, consequently were in danger of upsetting 
every moment from the steepness and winding of the road. 

We arrived safe however, at the Inn on the top of the 
mountain, where I got out and ordered out my trunks; but 
the ruffians had laid their plan too Weil to let me have m)' 
trunks. I had observed the sharp-faced Pat of Nashville 
jump out with the one-eyed Pittsburg man, and run into 
the house before I got out of tjie stage; being lame, and 
the mud half leg deep, it was some time before I could 
enter the tavern. But imagine my surprise, when the 
landlord informed me, he could not let me stay at hishouse ' 
nor would he take out my baggage, saying he kept no tav- 
ern, and as no stage office was kept there, he would iwt, 
nor dared not, take out my baggage. I saw through thf 
Ihing at once; the Teague, with his fellow ruffian, had put 
the landlord up to this, to carry their plot into execution, 
whatever it might Ipe. 

I appealed to the liumanity of the landlord, showed iiim 
my receipt, but all in vain, lie said I mu.^^t go on^ to the 
next tavern where the stage office was kept, -and there 
they would be obliged to take out my baggage. 1 saw it 
was useless, and though it was seven miles further, I w-3t. 
forced once mbre to enter the stage with the ruffians!--- 
meantime the Teagues and Pittsburg were induljinir in 
winks and smothered laughs, 

After charging well with whiskey, again thev tnUicd 
the stage and I with them, the brutal driver swearing, 
and cursing me the whole time. 

It appears his highness took offence at my ordsiingthe 
robbers from the stage at the house back, as he often re- 
peated my words. We had proceeded but a short distance 
from the house, before the horses getting out of the road, 
the first place we found ourselves was upon the top of a 
high bank, and found it impossible to regain the road 
without upsetting. The Teagues were not so drunk, but 
they were afraid of their neeks, and got out of the stage 
I also got out in the mud again, the driver being now 
alarmed, abated somewhat of his savageness and assisted 
me out of the stage, it was dark, eold, and rainy. But 



ADVEXTURES. )f 

such were my presentiments of greater evils, that I was in- 
sensible to the less, that is standing half leg deep in mud 
and water, and the rain pouring upon me in a torrent* 
After so long a time, the driver got the horses and stage 
into the road, and travelled at a snail's gate to the tavern,, 
which took him over two hours, the longest two hours I 
ever spent before or since. 

When we arrived at the tavern, as I expected, the same 
game was played over again. The same Irish man, the 
other being toounwieldy or too drunk, it matters not which, 
jumped out as before and ran into the house. I knew he, 
with his Pittsburg friend, went into prejudice the land- 
lord again, and as they were to travel all night, their plot 
whatever it might have been, was to be effected. But I 
was determined^ and as we were to have a new driver at 
thishouse, I had some hopes of defeating the plot of the 
robbers, as they proved in the end. 

Whatever they told the people of the house, I neither 
knew nor cared, as I was determined not to move from 
the house at the point of the sword. I began to perceive, 
in fact had for some time, it was but death, and I might 
as well meet it in one place as another. Upon entering 
the house, I met another appalling sight, another gang of 
ill-looking men, and here I must remark, that nothing but 
my courage saved my life. "What, another band of rob- 
bers here too!" I exclaimed. I heard one of the ruffians 
whispering to somebody as I entered the house, of whicl> 
I only distinguished the word crazy. This was done to 
intimidate the people of the house, what else passed be- 
tAveen them, I have never learned from that day to this. 
The landlady, the greatest savage in petticoats, met me at 
the door sill with a candle in her hand; "come this way 
good woman," said she, leading the way into a back par- 
lor, "what is the matter," I told her, "nothing was the 
matter, that I had stopped for the night and intended to 
take the Accommodation in the morning, that I was wet 
and cold, and wished to have a cup of tea as quick as pos- 



*HaJ they been any thing but hog Irish they would have loaned tne 
an. umbrella which they had. 



10 



ADVENTURES. 



sible." "You cannot stay here, we don't keep any body," 
"You have a sign, what is that for ? and whether you have 
or not, would you be such a savage as to turn a female 
out of doors such a dark night as this! besides there are 
rubbers in the stage and I shall not travel with them." 
"You cannot stay, we dont kept any body, you cant stay." 
"I mil stay, and get me something to eat this moment or 
I will have you fined and your license taken from you." 
She then went off for the landlord, and I went to order 
out my trunks, but the Pats and the mud (^river had come 
to an understanding Avith respect to the trunks, nor would 
I suppose, it was the first time either had committed rob- 
bery. But admitting this, what, are we to think of the 
landlord who, after attempting to force me into the stage, 
suffered these robbers to carry off the trunks before his 
face.? To come to the point, I have little doubt but the 
landlord, one Hawk, was the wor^t of the gang. But 
you must know before we go any further, that the woman 
was one of the godly ones, and had you seen her efforts 
to force me into {he stage, you would have thought she was 
converting a heathen. "You can't stay, and you ought to 
go and take care of your trunks, you will never see them 
again, they will go to New-Orleans, you will never see 
them again, you can't stay, you can'lt stay, you must, you 
shall go," She would every now and then, (putting liei 
tace close to mine, as though she were going to kiss me,) 
bring my cloak and bonnet. I went to the door however, 
and the driver, as great an old v n as ever went un- 
hung, being pointed out to me, I told him to take my 
trunks off at his peril. The Teagues and Pittsburg, would 
whisper to him; mean time I told the landlord, he was a 
party concerned and I would prosecute the whole of them, 
"lou must go and take care of your trunks." "You ruf- 
fian, how dare you say I must go, I will not go an inch;" 
"I will make you go," said the brute.* "Touch me if 
you dare, you ruffian,, are you all robbers?" At tiiis I 
turned from the door, the landlord turned pale, and the 

*I showed the driver Col. Lindsey's receint, he ''did not care tot 
Col. Liudjcy." 



ADVENTURES. H 

she- wolf growled and gnaslied her teeth; she followed me 
up however, with my cloak and bonnet, and seemed to 
enter warmly into the interest of the Teagues. There 
were two young women about the house, who were cle- 
ver, good-looking women, and looked displeased with 
the movements of the enemy. One of them prepared to 
set me some refreshment; but kept her eye upon the mis- 
tress of the house, who was in great agitation, repeating 
without intermission, "You will never see your trunks 
again;" and the driver, old Folk, at the door, "The stao-e 
IS agoing— the shxffe is agoing;" he cracked his whi°p 
but all m vain. I was determined to meet death in the 
house. . 

When ^he heard the stage drove off, she threw her- 
self on a chair, (my cloak still hanging on her arm ) and 
almost expired from despair. 

The young women then set the table out, and biOuo-ht 
me some tea, and bread and butter, and attended me verv 
pohlely. Meantime the table was set with profusion and 
\atjety for the ruffian of a driver, in the same room '— 
l^his driver, who drove from the last stage, was the prin- 
cipal in the afi^iT, as it was his business to interfere and 
see that I was treated well; and the robber Folk ou<^ht 
to be sent to the slate prison for carrying off my trunks, 
which he did, alter I ordered him not. But what asto- 
nished me was that these Teagues should have been able 
m so short a time, to succeed so effectually with the wo- 
man: their bringing over the, scape-gallows Folk was a 
matter of course. The landlord kept mostly in the bar- 
room, and here I was with a gang of robbers— no bed 
or private room to repose in, and the> whole of my bajr- 
gage carried off ! . ^ jo 

After some time the landlord, with his band of ruffians 
came into the room, and I addressed him as follows- "I 
am, doubtless, to be riiurdered, as I have been robbed 
through your means, whose business it was to take my 
baggage out of the stage; but you may rely upon it, mr 
friends will make you a public example; they will -re- 
yenge themselves by nothing short of your life- beint; 
well assured of this, I shall die contented: you are'a ^m- 



12 ADVENTURES. 

ty ruffian to keep a public house, and be trusted with the 
mail; were you the robber that shot the man lately, in- 
stead of Mr. Ramsey?* He was confounded, and slunk 
off" out of the room. 1 then asked if I could get a place 
to lie down, or was I to sit up all night. "You ought to 
have gone on with the stage," said the landlady. 1 told 
her not to give me a word of her insolence; "I will fix 
you, madam, for the jjame you have played to-night: speak, 

am I to have a bed or not?" She then called the young 

woman to her, and said something which I did not hear; 
and the girl picked up the candle and told me to follow 
her; and, taking me through the decent chambers, enter- 
ed a dirty room over the kitchen, used, doubtless, for 
stage-drivers and dirty travellers. The room had two 
doors, both without locks. I saw the drift, but was per- 
fectly undaunted. There were two beds in the room; 
one was tolerable; the other, a straw bed with one sheet 
as black as the pot, and an old dirty rug; and the whole 
stunk. The girl led me to the straw bed, and said, that 
was the bed I was to sleep in. "Not I, indeed; I'll never 
go into that bed: why may I not go into that hed.'" ppu)t- 
ing to the best one. "She says you must sleep in this." 
I told the giri^to go and bring my cloak, and a glass of 
water, that I should sit up all night. She went off, and 
after sometime brought another bed in, and laid it on the 
top of the straw bed, and putting a clean sheet and some 
dirty covering on it, went off, and I lay down in my clothes; 
but do not imagine I slept. I lay and listened attentively 
when the murderers would make their appearance; for 
an attempt I knew they intended to make, by their put- 
ting me in a room without any means of fastening. 

One door was at the foot of my bed, and one at my 
head. 1 watched both, and had also put out my candle. 

About eleven o'clock, I heard footsteps approaching 
up the kitchen stairs, at the foot of my bed; and present- 
ly the door opened softly, and the landlord entered with a 
candle in his hand! My face was only covered with the 

•Every one knows the narrow escape of Mr. Ramsey of Pitlsborg, 
another laan being shot in his stead, near this place. 



AUVEXTURES. L'i 

sheet, through which I saw hira plainly. He passed roun<i 
o)y bed softly, and walked to a pile of apples that lay in 
a corner, and picking" up one of the apples, vStood and lis- 
tened, and walked hack again, close to the pide of my 
bed, and seemed to be ascertainin^j whether I was as!ei?p 
or not. Just as he was opposite my b^d, walking on 
tip-toe, I sprung up, and accosted him with—- " You 
ruflian, how dare you come itito my room at thi§ tiojo 
of night? begone tliis instant, or f will shoot, you.''' 
But never did a fellow run down stairs faster, while I. bad 
iwither gun nor pistol. After his. tiig-ht, i got up,, and 
put a chair against cRch door, and, coucludinjr from his 
rowardice, he Would not return, i betook myself to sleep 
with all possible composure. 

Next morning; tho conduct of the faiuHy was, by an 
accident, suddenly changed- iii to sornctiiing-'^like. fear and 
respect. After taking my cotiee, I procured a pen and 
ink, and waS>about to address a note t<) Cononel Lindsev, 
of IvlcConnelslown, inforaiinj^" him of my misfortun'^ 
Hjid the ecndntft of the whole posse; 'i'-'i^diakiiJig my pa- 
p-era out ofrny iciiruie, to look for a piece of blank pa- 
per 10 write on,' 1 f;ut myharidon a lefer of in'roduction 
(J had several) Ooni Capt. vJ.-ek to his.brot]:(:r (/Gn ens- 
hai-i^. I ask- d ihf, landUidy wiso W2S f^taruiinc: by ''if sh^' 
rould read vvriting." "iNot very well." ''\1Vll, thf^n, I 
wilt read it for vou;" and read to her the Tetter. "JVow 
tnadam," said I, "what willthe public/think of your co«i- 
duet, and tliat of jour husband?'' ''It was them oeopie's 
fault." ''ft ivas'5'our i^idf. s i?.^ Tnot as mmh title to 
credit as ihe people? Wha' did th.^y say?" She Wdiild 
not tell. '-Then you are as ^nlo-as they, a'ld } will have 
the whole of you punished." She then asked me to let 
her take tiic lelter to her husband in the bar. I gave her 
the letter, and in a .short time ihe.y both came in, very 
much alarmed. "\ou see, now, sir, wh6m you have to 
deal with, and I am glad to find you are a manof projier- 
ty suflicient to pay Ihedamage^ 1 have doubtless sustained 
by the robbery." This cut him to the quick. "Whv 
<lid you not show me the Ictt.v,- last night?" '^Because a 
letter cannot make an honest man of a rogue " Thev 
2— Vol. H. ' ' 



14 ADVENTURES. 

were botli apparently much distressed; but the man said, 
I would be sure to find my trunks at the next staj?e of- 
fice." I replied I cared nothing about it: I had several 
hundred dollars worth in the trunks, which the line was 
liable for, and I was not at all uneasy; I was safe enough. 
I fancy Hawk did not spend the day very pleasantly, 
particularly as he discovered 1 was no way concerned. 
To warn all travellers of this dangerous man, he lives 
two miles from Stoystovvn east; that is on the side next 
to Bedford. He lives upon a bold running mill stream, 
through a thick forest, as well as I recollect at the foot of 
the Allegheny Mountain. I feel no hestitation in saying 
from what has gone before, and what followed, that it is 
a dangerous house, and is, doubtless, connected with a 
band of robbers, which forms a line from Pittsburg to 
Philadelnhia. Many of these robbers way-lay the road, 
and attack those travellers whom they suppose to have 
money. Several murders and robberies have been com- 
mitted in these mountains: and as it happens in point; \ 
lady, one of the Drst in Pittsburg, was travelling in her 
own carriage down Sideling Hill. She was accompani- 
ed by a young gentleman on horseback, who had rode on 
before and was out of siglit, leaving her and her daugliter 
with the driver, some distance behind. This being her 
situation as she drove down the hill, she saw a man get 
up out of the bushes before her, and walk slowly along 
the road. At length she passed him, and he seemed to 
eye the carriage suspiciously. As he dropped behind, 
she turned her head, and watched him through the coach 
window. In the course of a few minutes, she saw him 
take a pistol from his right side, and look behind him, 
when to her great joy she saw the mail-stage! This 
saved her life! I saw the lady (after this, however,) in 
Pittsburg. But, to resume: I wrote my letter, intending to 
drop it in the next Post Office, and amused myself in look- 
ing at the scenery, till the accommodation should arrive. 
To compensate for the difficulties and dangers of the 
night, nature had reserved for the morning, one of her 
choicest treats. Thus is life checkered with curse and 
blessing, woes and wonders. 



JOUUXEY TO GUEENSBUKG. 15 

Upon going to the front door, I was transported with 
pleasure, and carried away with delight and astonish- 
ment. A bold mountain reared itself in front, and the 
stream before-mentioned, swollen by the rain, dashing, 
foaming and thundering to the skies. The great 
fall of the river over a mill-dam and a multitude of 
rocks — the heights on each side, the dark hemlocks, 
while the raging river shook the shores — it certainly was 
the grandest assemblage of objects I had met with in the 
mountains. 

- Meantime, Hawk, who used to catch all the chickens 
at Stoystown, (where he formerly perched,) tried all his^ 
art to conciliate my favor, and, to my infinite relief, the 
Accommodation arrived, and brought one of my favorite 
Tennesseeans — one passenger only; and I leave the Inn. 

I ought to have described my lord and lady of the Inn. 
They were both rather young, tall, lean, sallow, and 
gaunt, like all the missionary gang, with the looks of 
midnight pickpockets. The proprietor of this part of 
the line is equally guilty with those roljbers, for patron- 
izing such a knot as these innkeepers and stagedrivers; 
and it is very evident they are all combined. 

Stoystown is a considerable and most romantic village 
upon tiie top of a hill, two miles from the inn of blessed 
memory. It contains about two hundred inhabitants, and 
commands a view of the wildest scenery, being , sur- 
rounded with lofty heights and deep chasms of unequal- 
led wildness — not an acre, however, of tillable land was 
in view; and Stoystown, in appearance, is quite an aerial 
city amongst the clouds. 

I had a delightful drive along' the stream to Stoys- 
town, where we leave it. This stream is a branch of 
the Youghiogeny. It had no name that I could learn. 
i was truly mortified that I was forced, notwithstanding 
my arrangements, to pass through so great a part of the 
finest mountain scenery in the night; which I ascribe 
wholly to the Teagues, whose character for tipperary 
improves as we go on. We shall, overhaul them pre- 
sently; as all know that I am slow, but sure. The c.urse.s 
of Pennsylvania will ever pursue them wherever they 



16 JOURNEY TO CiUKEysaUHG. 

go; as it ha?, through them, lost the most interesting pnrt 
t>f my travels; and it is very prohable their Teagneships 
Biay end their travels with a rope or penitentiary. This 
was the place it was supposed my baggage would be 
let'i; but no baggage was here. 1 was on the winning 
side, however, as 1 was sure of my baggage, or the wortii 
ofii; aj.d ilie incident was of no litile value. Those 
niock gentlemen want a little Tij)perary fun — ihev shall 
have ^'Iheir fill." , , ', 

The distance fiom Bedford to the summit of flie Alle- 
gheny id fourteen miles, seven mijes from there to 
Hawks, and two to Stoystown; which we lea\e, aAcr 
taking in a handsome, well dressed little boy, who was 
going to Giccnsburg. 

I was much pleased with my Tennos.seean, who com- 
bined all the L'levated, cool, steady bravery of his coun- 
try, [lad he been with me the pievious day he wouid 
.Mx>n have settled the business with the bogtrotters; and 
it is hoped that every Tennesseean in Nashville will 
siiow^a proper aud dignified resentment towards Teagiie 
Sbaipno&p, who mi'-y very easily be known, having siiil 
one oi ihi-. praties in his mouth, which lathcr imj;edes his 
speech. And as for the ladies of jNashville, I trust they 
V. ill, for once, act becoming, and cease to patronize tiiose 
bogtrotters. An Irish gentltman 1 admire; but those 
Teagucs, even to the canal diggers, make it their boast, 
to our disgrace, that " all the American ladies love the 
Patt;^." i should be gratified never to hear the expres- 
sion a^in; and, still more, that the man who would use 
it njighl be kicked out of doors, What can our women 
bee in tijem.'' I see riot iiing but impudence. Curious taste. 

But I was pleased with my driver as wdl as with rny 
Tennesseean. He had lieardof the conduct.pf the pe< - 
pie beb.ind.us, and resented it highly. He very politely 
inquired at every stopping place for my baggage; auil 
my Tennesseean, also, siiovved a very becoming resent- 
ment, and deported himself with the manners of a gen- 
tleman, although a plain farmer. He was a yomig, stout 
man. Here I have a remark to make, which never struck 
me before, that the dress and manners of a Tennesiietaa 



r\m iaouNTAixs. 17 

are alvv&ys tlie same, let him be of what occupation he 
may, mecliaiiic or philosopher; and their philosophers 
are mechanics and farmers; and though I never acquir- 
ed tlie gentleman's name, 1 felt proud of his company and 
his country. 

We descended very little in passing from the Alleghe- 
ny to the Laurel hill; from the summit of \\hich to the 
summit of the latter is twenty-six miles. I have eise- 
^vhere remarked that these chains are several miles dis- 
tant from each other, with handsome rich valleys of 
mcadovv-land between them. These vales are well wa- 
tered, and in a high state of cultivation. [Now John 
Bull laughs again. He thinks nothing is cultivated out 
of Hengland — suppose the reason why he Sent Pishey 
Tom's son as a specimen — wish him safe over the water 
again] The cattle are not so large but equally sleek 
and thrifty, particularly upon tlie German farms; and 
these are most numerous. Sheep run at large on the 
mountains, look very white and clean, and are larger than 
'those farther east;* and the water is the purest in the 
world, doubtless. The land is rich and level here, but 
rather cold and moist. 

In the course of six or seven miles we arrived at the 
foot of Laurel hill, now and then crossing some of the 
tinest streams imaginable. The Laurel hill, which is a 
mountain of some height, has very little in it, at first 
sight, indicative of a mountain. It merely presents a 
gentle swell, and very little laurel to be seen; and by 
casting your eyes forward to see the celebrated Laurel 
hill, so famous in history, you are entirely disappointed; 
you see the sky through the trees, and I, no little mor- 
tified, asked the driver in a pet, " where are the Lau- 
rels.'" " You will see enough of them by and by." I 
was sure the man was mistaken. But after driving a 
niile or so, I found laurel and rocks and steeps in prdfu- 
sion, and a real mountain, three miles to the summit; and, 
also, three to the base-— the whole a barren forest of 
evergreens, and some of the most beautiful transparent 

•Jhe wolves often attack aod kill many of tbem :— ^vilc missionaries. 



18 THE M0USTA1X«. 

fountains I had met with; The features of this mountain 
are precisely similar to what is called Sevvell's Moun- 
tain, in Virginia, on the Kenhawa road, except that it j» 
steeper to the top. But on the summit, youvvould iinai^iue 
it to J'C the very same which it is. We find the same 
deep vales, shaded to darkness, and the same rushing 
streams, (running over white sand,) as clear as crystal. 

After descending from the Laurel hill we enter upon 
a beautiful })lain, lying between the Laurel hill and 
Ckesnut Ridge, the last of the Allegheny range. This 
vale is fertile, and covered with haadsome farms of gra.ss, 
grain, and orchards; and here the beautiful limber be- 
gins to appear, so famous in the •western parts of Penn- 
sylvania. One of the handsomest situations I saw in the 
mountains lies at the fopt of the Chesnut Ridge. A rural 
stream runs swiftly through a rich meadow, of uncom- 
mon beauty. The stream is broad and sliallow, and me- 
anders and ripples and murmurs in a most delighiful ser- 
pentine, as far ns you can see. '*p^ .,.*".' 

Though .':he Chesnut Ridge is low, compared ' to th:-, 
other ranges of the Allegheny, it has all the appearance; 
of a mountain as you'-anproaob it, and isof consideiahle 
extent;, but you hra-dly perceive you are on a mouniair- 
while crossing it, either from the aspect of the'timber oi' 
the surface of the soil, whi(ih is nearly the same with that 
of the valleys, and is susceptible of cuUivation. 

The distance across t'uese mountains has been noticed 
in the first volume, which is c>iie ^.undrtsj.! ar.d sixty miles, 
viz. ijom fiiB Blue Moutitaitte to ibe loot of Chesnut 
Ridge. / \. ■ ' * 

.From the commencement of the .piouutain to the end, 
the appearance of thfe, inhabitants gradualfy but sensibly 
change in size, manners and com{)]exion. The small 
stature, sallow face, apd uniformity of manners, gives 
place to S stout- robust figurge, fair, complexion, and man- 
ners very different from the people east of the mountains. 
The diiference in complexion and size is easily ac- 
counted for, which is the salubrity of the air and water 
The beautiful bloom, t!ie lily-white forehead, and pluoip 
cheek of the young women and children may be traced 



THU MOUNTAIX3. 1,9 

from Carlisle, where it begins to dawn, to tliis place; 
and presents the very same distinguishing traits, foufKl in 
East and West Virginia. 

The disiinciions between the east and west of thft 
Allegheny Mouniains had long been familiar to me, 
as respected the great State of Virginia; and why it 
should be expected to differ irom Pennsylvania but one 
rcabon at all can be given, as these two Slates present a 
like restrnblance as respects these mountains; and are, 
so far as 1 know, the ouly States that exhihu the idenii- 
9Sjl ridges of Appachiau Mouniains. 

But the stale of society in the njpuntains of these tvro 
States are very dititiresit, which is doubtless, owing to 
the different periods each has been settled, and the great 
Aqw of emigrants, which has been a thousand to tea in 
■vfavor of Feunsyivaniii. Tlie cause ot this has been al- 
ready noliced; which is, that the armies clearing the 
roads through the latter at a. very early period. From 

, thi3 cause (iie people oa this Gi'eat Weslfrn Road have 

•"' become a sfct of sharpers, vicious asd in.solent;- which 
ihey have doubtless-acquired from the character of the 
vast number of that description of peopit^, called the 
ECum of the Old Slaves, who flee from justice, and those 
who live no where longer than they arc found out Of 
the ialter, there are muUitudes continually on the wing, 
se:P.liir<5 i^'V prey. Frc-in iliis Ci*use, as in ail countries 
.. where society is infested by vicious characters — the 

'►>,, tran.-iportat ion of commerce from PhUadeipJiia to Pitts- 
burgh— Itie vast number of stages',_ and the powerful ef- 
fect of money upon tiiese innkeepers' and . stage-proprie- 
tprs, it is no longer safe for people, unarmed or unpro- 
tected, .18 travel; and th.e tide of travelling will, without 
doubt, be withdrawn so soon as the Pennsylvania canal 
is finished, whicli lies to the noith of tliis route. This 
character of the route is only applicable to the mountains; 

' from which, however, we must exempt all who have no 
concern with travellers. 

It is quite the reyerse in the mountains of Virginia — 
there is not a more noble race upon earth than those who 
inhabit the mountainous part of Virginia. I never heard 



2^0 LAUCHLINTOWX. 

of an insult, much less a robbery or murder committed 
there, where I lived many years; and the reason is obvi- 
ously to be attributed to the causes I have mentioned. 

Not only the complexion and size but the dress of 
these mountain people differ from the lowlanders. We 
always see these cherry-cheeked damsels, as well as 
children, dressed in domestic vvoolsey, mostly red and 
blue stripes. They have very hadsome features, but are 
not well shaped. Their hair is generally fair, and their 
eyes blue. But the children astonished me by their ac- 
tivity and beauty. I saw one of those little urchins, as 
I drove on through tjie mountains, who could not have 
been more than seven months old, trolling along upon his 
hands «nd feet, on his way to the barn by himself. He 
was about a hundred yards from the house, when the 
mother missing him, sent one of its sisters after it. The 
little fellow apprehending something of the sort, would 
often look behind, and when he discovered he was pur- 
sued, never did a pick-pocket mend his pace with more 
desperation to escape from his enemies than the little 
crawlaway. 

The farmers in these mountains cultivate all kinds of 
^•rain, and prefer timothy to clover, to which the soil is 
very favorable; flax and potatoes grow in great perfection, 
in short, nature has blessed them with every thing but a 
discriminating respect for strangers, which I can by no 
means allow them; they are a mixture of Germans and 
Irish, and most of them are great admirers of priests 
and tracts. 

We dined et Laughlintown, the place where it was 
finally supposed I would find my baggage — but no bag- 
gage excepting a small bundle was to be fotind; and 
the old ruffian who kept the inn at Laughlintown, was 
a party concerned in the robbery I am pretty sure, whether 
he had the property in possession at the time or not. 
The moment I entered the house I saw guilt in the counti- 
nance of the whole of them, and bribing one of tlie 
domestics who was upon the point of disclosing some- 
thing relative to the party who robbed me, whom she 
said took supper there about midnight, when the old 



LAVGHLIKTOWX. 5fl 

ruffian of the tavern discovered her, and sent her into a 
another room under pretence of preparing- my dinner. 
He watched n)e ho close afterwards, that I had no op- 
f^ortunily of conversing with any of the family, who 
though they evidently knew sometiiing: of the baggage, 
were afraid to divulge it; all I could aret out of the old 
man was the bundle v\'hicii was of little value, and that 
the driver whet! inlerroiraicd about being late said, "they 
had a trbubUsonie woman in the stage." 1 told the old 
nian the driver's words would probably prove true to him 
;<s hesnust, when shil'tinj^ ihe bai;gage, (which hedid into 
anoiher sta^-(;,) liave prrc»Mved there was more bagf?age 
tinan pas^enaers, and thai mv name beinti' on my trunks as 
well as the wjjy-oili and the bmidlf^, and no female beinz in 
tfie stage when il passed his house, be must know that the 
trunks with a won)an's name could not belong to the men 
in the stage, of course must belong to the woman men- 
tioned to y»>u by the driver. ''It was your duty by an e&- 
taldihhed custom ai ail sts'ie-oiTiCes to not only see that 
the pa'-.sengeisarid baygage was safe, but lohave stopped 
tlie extra baggage till 1 came up." Had this man been 
any thing t)ul the most hardened luffian, he would drtiad 
punishment; and as he owned a part of the line hfe 
mu.st have expected to pay his part of the loss, should it 
prove to be one. I told him be might expect the rigour 
of llielaw, to all of whicli he testified the unconcern of 
tte most hardened v — — — - — ^n. ii; is needless to viam 
travellers against this house. I do not know the rulfian^s 
na«ie, hut he may be known- by his picture. 

'i'he Tennesseean and the little boy (who came with 
u<i from Sioystown,) as it v. as late did not din;", but took 
a glass of cider apiece, for which it appeared the inn- 
keejjer ciiarged them double price. I could not forbear 
laut^hing ai the Tennesseean (after we left the tavern,) he 
psid the exorbitant price for the cid<'.r; ajid- watching bin 
opportunity laid the glass behind the fire and covered it up 
careiully to roast; our driver titia day was a very clever 
mao and was highly displeased with the innkeeper ibr 
H<jtrering my bagg.ige to go on in the stage, but we now 
ci^.jinged our good driver for one who was a match for the 



22 ANECDOTES. 

innkeeper and the leagues. He was about two-thirds drunk 
in the first place, and in the next place, he stopped at every 
tavern on the, road to drink more, and finally came very 
,near getting his jacket trimmed by the Tennesseean; we 
had taken in a very genteel man a little after dark, who 
interfered, or doubtless there would have been war. This 
drunken driver after taking his, portion of grog at one of 
the inns, sat down before the fire very contentedly and 
commenced smoking a cigar, the door being open we had 
a fair view of the gentleman who joined the company of 
the house in all the mirth and frolic of drunkards. The 
night was extremely cold, and just beginning to snow. 
The Tennesseean had the misfortune to have his overcoat 
stolen, and was in no humor to wait in the cold, and finding 
the driver in no haste to relinquish his situation, after cali- 
ing(lhe whole of us) till we saw it was useless; the Tennes- 
seean took hold of the reins and began to drive off. This 
soon brought the driver out, who cursed and swore 
furiously "Who was it moved them horses? "I did sir," 
said the hero of Tennessee, " do you suppose we are 
going to suffer with the cold all night, and let you sit by 

smoking your cigar.'"' "D n you, I'll stay as long as I 

please and give you the stage whip besides." He had 
the wrong hand to deal with, the other replied "if he 
did not get up on the seat and drive on instantly, he would 
get out and kick him to pieces." The driver being charged 
high with whiskey, was all spunk, and high words en- 
sued, and had it not been for myself and the other gentle- 
man, the driver would have felt the effects of one Tenn- 
esseean, at least. Had the man not been so drunk I should 
have been pleased to see him get a good drubbing. 

Tlie gentleman mentioned after the driver vouchsafed 
to get on the sent, observed very mildly to the man to be 

cautious as it was very dark, "D n you all to h 1, 

said the fellow, I have a great mind to upset the stage 
and breaR all your necks " This is a fine line to travel 
in; but we could expect nothing else from robbers. This 
line is owned by one H. of Greensburg, of whom I 
shall speak hereafter. 



ANECDOTES. 25 

i was provoked at passing through Leginier in utter 
darkness;* and also, Loyal Hannah, both familiar tome, 
from having often heard of the one in my childhood, and 
lived upon the banks of the other, I merely had a 
glimpse of the Loyal Hannah as I crossed it over a bridge 
which alone filled me with unspeakable sensations of 
])leasure, thus to hail an old acquaintance after an absence 
of 48 years, viz: since the burning of Hannah's town by 
the Indians, 

I ought to have mentioned a laughable incident of the 
morning. One of the innkeepers on the road had been at 
much pains and expense to errect a great hickory Jack- 
son })ole, and some of the Adam's men had come in the 
night and cut it down. It was done the preceding night, 
and the innkeeper was fuming with rage as we drove up, 
at the fellows who perpretrated the unpardonable deed. 

I do not know the name of the innkeeper where we 
spent the niglit four miles on this side of Greensburg". 
He is another old ruffian, ,who, had he lived in any 
country but the land of fools, and tracts, and the bible, 
and the Lord's doings, would have been hung. It is cer- 
tainly our aim as a nation to command respect — to effect 
this, we have only to respect ourselves, but patronizing 
vice and infamous men in this barefaced manner, is only 
proclaniing to the world, " We trample on virtue, insult 
and annihilate it." But I shall speak more fully on this 
subject at ^.e end of my journey. 

1 met with a very genteel man at this tavern, from 
Washington, Fa. he was a noble fine fellow, and gave me 
a laughable account of the power of the Priests over the 
females at Washington; " We want you there, Mrs. K. 
very much, to expose these men; they have the whole 
population, of our females at work for them. Was there 
ever a country so besotted.? I should, as I have no childreu 
to suffer, be glad to see these religious thieves and robbers 
triumph, and, (though I destest cruelty,) slay every man 
who suffers his wife, daughter, &c. to work for Priests, 
ten times worse than ever Popery was. The gentleman 

* I am pleased to hear they are going on rapidly with (be canal as 
it will break up this den of robbers. 



2'i OHEfcNSBUUG. 

ioh\ me manj anecdotps of those abominable fiwlrtdlrrs, 
and expressed muoh pleasure at m^ \ isit to his State, He 
was a young, stout, pleasant man, an attorney, as I aAer- 
wards heard, though I never knew his name. 

\ye suffered a great deal this day with the cold, the 
little boy, f s wfll as the Tennesseean, was wilhoui a cJoak, 
and J having a thick shawi, loaned ilieuj nunc. 

GB-KENSBUUG. 

Early in the mornina; we departed to GrePo^hurg which 
we reached by breaktast-timr, wh^re i was disholved in 
extacy, it being in the e.quniy of Westnioreland, whej^^ 
1 had spent «onie years ot ray childhood, it had fiiowt 1 
durin;^ the night w^ioh just covertd the gi'ouifd, ihough 
hot M as to G0'.iceal the rjiiik wheat whicii checkered tbe 
country on each side of the road, but I was inoie (1rli^<:hted 
wiih the country, and trcesot Uie torest, whicti ibrijeiilH aad 
svmtiietrv is unequalled by anv in Aoierica; these trees nt^. 
very tall, straight, and sl(Mi-!er, ai,jd terminaie in a 
luxaiiantcldrusion ot sUnider drawn hranijiies ofsurpassioi; 
beauty, i can liken tbervv lo noilang but the brooin-crir;i 
macnified, Greensl)uri^ is tiie capdaltif Wesimorel.'icd 
r/)unty, one of ttie handsoniest and richest icountif a of 
land and water iu \>e3t Fennsylvania The land lies in 
gentle swells, and is of the richest quality ._ Gr,eeu.^*:>urif 
is a very bandsoine borough town, of about cne^thoiisand 
inhabitants, and occupies one of thr^most dt-lightrul oitwa 
tions to be met with, oif of the waters, iu the State, 'ibis 
town, which is mostly built of brick, ^vas built since 
Uanoahstown was burnt by the Indians, if iam not mis- 
taken, ill 1782: but it doubtless will not improve much 
more as it is some distance from nayi:j;ation. It will, jiow- 
ever, always allure the eye of taste from the beauty of its 
scenery and fertility of thf^ surrounding country, which 
arises around it in swelling hills of unrivalled beauty. 
The Chesnut ridg,e is seen plain from Greensburg, stretch- 
ing along to the east, in anunbrokeu line. 

1 was recommended to the tavern'^of Col. Rohrer, ijt 
preierence to the stage-house, one of the most dangerou^^ 



GREENS BURG, 25 

houses perhaps, from Bedford to Pittsburg, and though r 
had nothing to lose novy but my life, I was much pleas- 
ed I had escaped the house. 

When the stage stopped at the door for the passengers 
to get out, I enquired, if my trunks were left there; they 
vyere not; I had understood, he was proprietor of the 
line, an.l shewing my receipt taken for my fare at Bed- 
ford to Greensbuig; I informed tlie man who came to the 
stage, that I should look to the proprietor for the hag- 
gage, slating at the same time^he manner it was carried 
off— he was not the stage owner, he said, but he would 
mention it; I then requested them to drive me to Colonel 
Rhorer's, which is customary with all stages that I have 
ever tiavelled in— no— I must get out there, the driver 

would be d d to h-ll if he would drive me any where, 

(he ought to have a iew tracts.) Meantime a perfect 
rabble gathered about the stage, doubtless many of them 
were hi,'i;hway robbers, but she had been robbed before. 

By chance a ragged old man pointed out to me the house 
of colonel Rliorer, and I trudged along on foot to the 
colonel's. The first lljing I said upon entering the house, 
Avas a charge of unkindness against the stage folks of the 
other house, and the nextthing was^'I wanted breakfast." 
Col. R. however, stood still and looked at me in amaze- 
ment; meantime I was talking out some letters, I happen- 
ed to liave one which caught the eye of the Col. it was di- 
rected to a Mr. Barclay, next door but one, and instead of 
ordering breakfast the colonel stepped into Mr. Barclay's 
and brought him in. 1 saw in a moment, the colonel had 
no idea of giving a woman breakfast who came alone and 
on foot to his house, without baggage; but after he heard 
the letter read, and the respect with which I was receiv- 
ed by Mr. Barclay, every thing in t.he house was at my 
service, and nerer a kinder man, though I often laughed 
at him for his suspicion. He would laugh too, and said 
he thought I was some poor woman, and he thought Cor- 
rectly. In the course of the evening, (this was Sunday,) 
several gentlemen called, and Mr. B. spent most of the 
day in my parlor. 

3— Vol. II. 



26 GREENSBURG. 

But the first thing I did, was to send my letters to Pitts- 
burg (written the previous night,) to apprehend the one- 
eyed man in case the baggage was not forthcoming; 
whether he or the Teagues had the trunks, the crime wa« 
the same in him, as he was equally guilty, for it was evi- 
dent the driver at Hawk's, would not have dared to carry 
off my trunks without the assistance and persuation of 
the passengers, and though he had laid himself liable to a 
prosecution fur forcibly: taking my property before my 
face, it did not exonerate them. I addressed my letter to 
Messrs. Johnston and Stockton, and requested them to 
write immediately, and resolved to await at Greensburg 
until I should hear the fate of my baggage. The Teagues, 
I supposed, would take passage down the Ohio as soon 
85 they arrived at Pittsburg; but by arrresting the one- 
eyed, I conjectured the trunks would be forthcoming; at 
all events 1 was safe, as the line was able to make good 
the damages, and I would have spent my time happily 
had the thieves not carried otf my M.S.' 

Besides Col. Rhorer (to whom, though I had forgot- 
ten it, [ had a letter of introduction,) and Mr. Barclay, 
I had letters to Gen. Wise, Col. Wise, and Mr Jack, a 
brother of Mr. Wm. Jack whom I saw at Bedford. Col. 
Wise was gone to take his scat in the legislature of Penn- 
sylvania at Harrisburg, and neither Gen. Wise nor Mr, 
Jack were at home. Mr. Alexander, with whom I had 
corresponded some years back, called in the course of the 
evening, which, and the company at the house, helped to 
beguile the time until Monday. Hearing Hon. R. Coul- 
ter, member of Congress lived in Greensburg, I address- 
ed a note to him apprising him of my presence, and that 
I would be happy to see iiim; he returned a very polite 
answer, representing he was indis})osed, and I amused 
myself the best way I could until the next day. " The en- 
euing day was delightful lor the season, and I indulged 
myself in viewing the borough, and first paid my respects 
to Simon Drum, esq. the Postmaster, being anxious to see 
a man of whom i had lormed a high opinion, from having 
exchanged a few letters with him several years ago; I was 
much pleased to hear he was still living in Greensburg, 



GREENSBURG. 27 

As 1 passed by the stage-office, near to which the post-office 
was kept, I called in with a view of gaining some infor- 
mation of my baggage, the passengers, and see the land- 
lord, and take my observations, and cast an eye round 
the house; I found a tall black looking man in the bar, 
whom I asked if he was the landlord, he was not, the bar- 
keeper then, no, he was neither; I was amazed, if there 
was a master about the house, or a bar-keeper, why 
would they suffer a stranger to stay in the bar. Seeing a 
woman sweeping the bar-room, I asked her, wliere was 
the master of the house, she did not know; where is the 
bar-keeper, I do not know, who is that in the bar? I don't 
know. She was ugly enough to frighten a bear, and as 
vicious as she was ugly; a gangling young man passed 
by, I asked him, who that was in the bar; he did not 
know. I saw at once, that this house was perfectly in 
the secret of the robbery, and observing, as they were 
all so very ignorant, T hoped to have the pleasure one day 
6S giving them a few lessons. 

I then slepped in to see Mr. Drum, and found in him a 
most amiable man. He said he had learned from the pa- 
pers I was to be in Greensburg; and our interview was 
mutually pleasing. I related to him the robbery, and also 
the occurrence at the stage office. He sent a boy with 
me to show me the stage proprietor, who was no other 
than the man I had seen in the bar! I then began to 
broach the business of the robbery, and asked, why he 
did not slop the trunks; as he must have seen from the 
way billthat I was behind, and the name on the trunk 
corresponduig with that on the way-bill, he ought not to 
have let the trunks pass his house. With the very front 
of an assassin, he ordered me out of the house: he cared 
nothing about my trunks, nor me either. Doubtless, he 
had a hand in the robbery, or connived at it, which was 
the same thing. But, finding from his looks and his lan- 
guage he would not hesitate to murder me, (as I had es- 
caped the hands of the other assassins,) 1 quit the house. 

From the great tide of travelling, and, doubtless, a 
•hare in the plunder, thi» man, one of the last of human 
beings, has become immensely rich; and so have all those 



28 GREENSBURG. 

blood-suckers in those mountains; which accounts foV 
their insolence. I trust their time is short: nothing would 
induce me to travel such a dangerous road again. Thus 
people run the risk of their lives in travelling through this* 
den of robbers. There is a regular chain of them from 
the summit of the Allegheny to Pittsburg; and how much 
farther I know nor. Had this man, or any man of them 
on the road, been .any thing but a beastly savage, he 
would have testified some regret that the ro[)bery hap- 
pened in his line. But he had not one trace of the human 
species in him. I would just as soon take my chance of 
sleeping in a forest infested with f)anthers and tigers, as 
to sleep under the roof of sucli a thoiougii going ruffian. 
1 had paid my money, and patronized his line; what good 
reason could he give for treating me with so much inso- 
lence.'' Had 1 not suffered enough in his line.'' Had I 
been a man, it would have been bad enough, and what 
none but a robber would have been guilty of. But, con- 
sidering my age and sex, it was certainly unequalled by 
anything excepting the missionary afl'air at Burlington. 
Now, there are no better people in the world than the 
people of this borough, excepting this fellow. It i* 
hoped he may, and doubtless will be shunned, by all, but 
his own sort, of which, there aie enough to go sharers 
with him in his unprincipled and foul actions. The more 
I reflect upon the conduct of this man, the more I am as- 
tonished that I escaped out of his house with the life, 
which nothing but his cowardice prevented him from 
taking. ' ' 

When I returned to Col. Rhorer's, I had the pleasure 
of finding Gen. Wise. The General, one of the best 
of men, as well as Mr. Drum, formed a pleasing contrast 
to the stage man, whose name, if I recollect, was Hoback. 
The General is a low heavy-made man, of middle age, 
dark complexion, with a pair of the finest black eyes in 
the world, and his heart was equal to his countenance, 
which was open, gay, and friendly. His manners were 
plain, and like those of all the Pennsylvania gentlemen, 
warm and sincere. His engagements, however, called 



GEEENSBUUG. 29 

him away, in the course of half an hour, and 1 saw him 
no more* 

I had also the pleasure of meeting with the gentleman 
who accompanied me from Carlisle to Chambersburg; 
whose polite attention is mentioned in the first volume of 
this tour. His name was Underwood, and a brother, per- 
haps, of the editor who lives at Carlisle. 

How necessary it is for those whose aim is to instruct, 
or even amuse, to lay aside prejudice. Had I judged of 
Mr. Underwood by his countenance, I should have sup- 
posed he was a blue-stocking, as the Presbyterians are 
called in Pennsylvania; and 1 am not sure he is not. But 
I judge of all by the same standard, and found Mr. U. 
from first to last, a gentleman; of course he called on 
me as soon as he heard I had arrived. Mr. U. is the she- 
riff' of Westmoreland co. and well spoken of, which I was 
{)roud to hear, being attached to the man. He is a young 
ooking, intelligent man; tall and thin-visaged, with rath- 
er an engaging countenance. Besides Mr. Underwood, 
and those gentlemen already noticed. Rev. Page, Hon. 
Judge Young, Hon. R. Coulter, Frederick A. Wise, Esq. 
(you see they are mostly wise people in ray old county,) 
Mr. Jack, Messrs. Wills and Summerville, the latter prin- 
cipals of different seminaries, waited upon me in the 
course of the day. Rev. Page is a very tall, spare man; 
like myself, neither learned nor polished — none the worse 
for that. He is an honest, blunt, good-looking parson; 
and, though an Episcopalian, I believe he has nothing to 
do with tracts; and, from his gaunt looks, I would sup- 
pose, as a pastor, he handled very little cash, w^hich 
seems to be the main spring of the modern clergy; and, 
doubtless, he deserves it. 

Hon. Judge Young is a foreigner — a Scotch gentleman, 
I think. He is advanced in years, and quite an affable 
man. He, doubtless, has a larger salary than the parson, 
which is an evidence oi the good sense of the people of 
Greensburg; who, like n\yself, have no idea of" a religion, 
or a God, who needs money. The judge has a free, open 

*We met aflervrards at Harrisburg. 

2* 



30 GREENSBUUG. 

countenance, and a fair, oval face. Next ought to have 
been my friend, Hon. R. Coulter; but he is mentioned in 
the third volume of the Black Book. He is one of the 
most fascinating men in Pennsylvania, and eminent in his 
profession, which is that of a lawyer. 

Frederick A. Wise, Esq. is also amongst the wise men 
of Greensburg, and one of my favorites, an editor. He 
is a brother of General and Colonel Wise; (ought to have 
dubbed him Major.) Editor Wise is a fine, noble-look- 
ing man, who, had he been properly encouraged at an ear- 
ly day, and received a few of those advantages, thrown 
away upon worthless, ungraceful youths, he would be- 
yond doubt, have slione in any line he might have struck 
out for his advancement. Mr. W. has a keen, sensible 
face, large fine hazlc eye, and high, retreating forehead; 
he is unaffected, kind, and generous, and a very indepen- 
dent editor. 

Mucli to the honor of my old sylvan county, tracts 
and missionaries are unsupported here, if we except Mr. 
Alexander, and the stage man. Apropos; Mr. A. is one 
of the oldest lawyers in the j)lace, and has become amaz- 
ingly wealthy. He does not condescend to live exactly 
in the borough; but has perched himself niion one of 
those delightful situations in sight of it. Here he amu- 
ses himself in improving his terrestrial paradise, upon 
which he spares neither cost nor pains; and I was only 
sorry tliat he had neither taste nor desert, in proportion 
t6 the blessing. He fulfils, at once every thing under- 
stood by the word purse proud.* 

Having exchanged a kw notes with him, some years 
back, 1 had a wish to see him, and acknowledge my ob- 
ligations, without dreaming I had had the honor of cor- 
responding with a nabob. 

1 addressed him a noie, saying, I would be happy to 
see him at Col. Rhorer's. He replied to the note quite in 
the style of a gentleman, and caiiud on me the same day 
of my arrival. But never was I more disappointed: a 

*If we had no other evidence, the success of ifjnorant or learned 
lawyers in gulling the peopie, demonstrates clearly that one porliun of 
mankind is determined to be slaves to the other portion. 



GUEENSllURG. 3t 

great, surly, boorish looking man, as rough as a bear. 
Finding 1 offered him no fee, which, doubtless, brought 
him, he transplanted himsielf off, giving me a tremendous 
frown. Now, all this making fish of one and flesh of 
anoiher, by the people, is something like the Quaker'u 
dog:— nothing but folly — and the greater any absurdity, 
the more greedily the people will swe^low it. Any thing 
like common sense, or common every-day occurrences, 
will never do for the people. If, therefore, you were 
to tell one of the people that if he were so siiiy as to 
throw his money away in courts, therevvore Messrs. A. 
and B. andC.&c^ very amiable m(Mi,e(jnai!y, it' not much 
belter lawyers; men of address, who ivouid treat them 
like human beings, and would give them a thousand times 
more satisfiiclion. This would not [)iease tlie people: 
they must have a master, who will' treat them like slaves. 
The repelling countenance of this man would be enough 
for me — a great, rough, gram-looking monster, who car- 
ries otf the cash, while others, of pleasing manners, and 
equal, if not superior, in legal knowledge, are left in the 
back-ground. I merely conjecture this from hiS great 
wealth. 

Mr. Wills, a very amiable man, is the principal of aii 
academy. The academy ofGreensburg is situated upoft 
a lofty eminence, and overlooks the country lor miles. 
There were but sixteen pupils when I called; but many, 
attached to the academy, were absent. Tiie pupils con- 
sisted of boys and girls. The boys leai n Latin and Greek, 
and the young ladies — grammar, geograp!>y. and history. 
I examined several of the latter, and found iheni perfect 
in their various .«tudies. But, handsoejer children I ne- 
ver saw. The beauty of these upland people is surpass* 
ing, and their modest behavior leflecls ihe highest honor' 
upon their teachers. Mr. Wills is a young, thin,>ovaI-vi- 
eaged man, light figure, and rather fair. His manners are 
genteel and graceful, and he appears in every respect 
very well qualified as a teacher. 

The view from this academy takes in prospects of p&- 
culiar beauty, the most gratifying my eyes beheld from the 
day I left this charming country till I returned! Perhaps 



S^ GREENSBUR6. 

fancy and feeling might, frond the associttions of my 
childhood, have swelled its beauties beyond reality; but 
it was a sweet delusion, if delusion it might, be called. 

The day was mild and serene: not a breeze disturbed 
the silken branches of the tall, slender trees, perfectly 
familiar to me; — the straight fence, the green wheat, the 
undulating surface, 3nd the vast. extent of the prospect 
edged by the Chesnut ridge, all, smiling in nature's charms^ 
seemed to welcome me to its peaceful region with the ar- 
dor of an old friend. I was completely entranced with 
delight, as I retraced my steps from the building. 

Upon gaining the corner house of the first street, I waa 
itruck by the appearance of an interesting female, who 
was leaning over a high portico, viewing me with deep 
attention. She had a very alluring countenance, and with- 
al, her face was quite familiar. I saw she was anxious 
to become acquainted, and saluted her under pretence of 
inquirinu: for the other schools, adding I was a traveller, 
and wishing to witness the improvements of the place, I 
had just paid a visit to the Greensburg academy. She 
returned the salute with great atiability, and said, "This 
must be Mrs. Royall?" "You are right, madam," Ire- 
plied; supposing she had nterely heard of my visit to the 
borough. "I heard my brother speak of you, Mrs. R. 
and from his description of you, I longed to see you." 
"And who may your brother be?" "Mr. Williams, of 
Somerset." I instantly discovered a likeness of Mr. 
Williams in her features, and a like resemblance of 
expression and good feeling. I should have been hap- 
py to have spent an hour or so in her company, but time 
pressed me from her. She pointed out, however, the 
other school, which stood in a hollow at some distance; 
and taking leave, I pursued my way to the building. It 
was a low, one-story log house, though extensive in di- 
mensions. The building stood in tlie commons, and from 
the exterior, I expected to see an ignorant, old field 
gchool-master, and a rabble race of awkward children. 
But imagine my surprize, upon being saluted at the door 
by a tall, gentlemanlike man, who very courteously invi- i 
ted me in aud to take a seat. If I was surprised at the ^^ 



GRKENSBUUG. 3^ 

appearance p( the man, 1 was still more at his mannew 
and conversation, as well as the modesty and intelligence 
of the pupils. I was astonished at the disappointment, 
though from the distance and looks of the building, 1 had 
nearly passed it by, and would certainly have done so, 
had it not been ibr the deep interest 1 took in every 
thing attached to this deUghtful region. The name of 
the gentleman was Robert Summerville, a native -of Eng- 
land, whose ardor for liberty brought him to our shoies. 
Mr. S. is a gentleman of learning, taste, and talents, and 
an enthusiastic admirer of our country and our law8. 
His conversation pioved him to be a man of tine taste, 
and his writin^rs, (which are known only to a few of his., 
friends,) breathes a spirit of independence, liberality and 
love to mankind, unfell and unappreciated by our country- 
men. He is a gentleman of great energy and warmth of 
heart, and his whole soul seems bent upon the improve- 
uaent of his species,* and is now struggling with prejudice, 

•| never saw any of tho English, with tl»° exception of the traveller 
Bradford, till 1 vi-iled the Allanlic country. We of the We:.l have a 
strong aversion to tlie English, whii^h is natural e.".OU'^h, ^rosr. Ihe'r 
hiring the Indians to nuii'dei' our woiiien anl children. 'From this 
cause we are very ip.velerale against Ihcm; and never was 1 more as- 
tonished al Iho atfabiiity, chaiily, and friendly manners of the first 
English people, wlien 1 first came to see them. 

tt has been seen that I entered Nciv Haven, Conn, a stranger, friend- , 
less and pennyless. At that lime there were several Eogush families 
boarding at the house of Mrs Widow Bishop, the lady who took UJB 
80 kindly into her house. I was so destitute of means, liowever, that • 
I was unable to purchase a dress, sufficiently decent, to appear m 
company; and an amiable young lady tif Massachusetts, pierced witti 
my situation, went round to the females of the place, who were not 
ignorant of my claims on my country, arid if 1 am correct, the amount 
«he procured, was jj 1.75, and the most of this was presentL-d by one 
man. But by some means, the En-jlish ladius ant gentlemen wer« 
apprised of the miller, and some thre.v in a dollar, an 1 some fifty 
cents, till the su n am Bunted to tlie price of a decent dress. All this 
was done in the most delicate manner, while they blushed for tho 
poor, cold, ungrateful — yes, 1 say Americans are. mi'j;raleful, let them 
praise themselves as much as they will; and (nniess it be a certain 
class) unfeeling. The persons who thus put our boasted country to 
the blush were Mr. Jones and lady, Mr. Allen and lady, Mr. Harris 
»nd lady — all of Barbadoes, and two English otfi'.ers, of Trinidad, 
who, though at a great distance from home, and upon half pay. con- 
tributed cheerfully. What inusl these people think of our boastiD|{> 



*4 GREENSBUKO 

bigotry, ignorance and fortune! Here is a lamentable ev- 
idence of the great rock, upon which all nations, and we, 
of course, are to be wrecked. — I'alk of being a great na- 
tion! What is to make us great? The only road to 
greatness is knowledge, which seems to be left to shift 
for itself. 

Instead of spreading the gospel, (as if wicked men had 
any gospel,) we were to spread knowledge, the only wise 
use to w-liich monf-y can be put, this enlightened foreigner 
Would not be suffered to stop in a rude building.- But 
the building is very well— 1 always am pained at the 
sight of a fine house. But I was going to say, one would 
expect that this man would have been placed at the 
head of some Seminary, instead of teaching children their 
«, b, ab's. 

The school was very full, and Mr. S. teaches upon an 
improved plan, and seems to interest himself deeply in 
tlie success of the pupil. His sacrifices must have been 
great to tasto the privileges of our enlightened country — 
I mean the drudgery of teaching our backwoods children. 
Perhaps lie might have been worse employed. Here I 
found the hoy who travelled with me The children had 
the same. modest appearance and fine features of the 
Others. The small children were much attached to Mr. 
S. — the best evidence of his knowledge of^iuman nature. 
Mr. S. is a young man, stout and well formed. His com- 
plexion is dark, face manly, and countenance \ ery prepos- 

when one of their officer's widows was relieved before their eyes, and 
by the men of that country, against whom h« fought. Had I been a 
man, doubtless, the godly women would have furnished me with evtry 

■ thing I mi^ht fiave wanted. 

I lament to hear Col. Jones is no more. He died at Col. Dummets, 
in Florida Also, thu death of Mrs. Harris, who died at Brooklyn, 
N. Y. The rest have, as I understand, returned to the Islands, where, 

, they are snid to be wealthy. May they be happy wherever they go. 
Their kindness to me is engraven on my heart. I live in the fond 
hope that we may one day meet aga'n. I have, since this, met with 
•everal worthy English. I never was more attached to any people: — 
these foreigners have a nobleness of soul, and warmth of heart, UD- 
common to Americans. But this can only be said of the better sort, 
as the lower class of English are very mean, proud and haughty; mora 
«o than any other uation. It must befrom these last we descended. 



GllEENSBURO. 3j| 

Ressing. He was much astonished at my courage and in- 
dependence in attacking the religious hornets — " I never 
heard of such a thing! it is most astonishing, really! it i» 
without a parallel! You deserve eternal honor, Madam, 
and doubtless your country will reward you!" As for 
that, 1 find my reward in the action. Mr. Summerville 
was the. first person that ever informeii me of Pestalozzi, 
of Berne, and his wonderful manner of leaching youth. 
I have since had the pleasure of seeing Mr. J\'eef, who 
teaches at Steubenville upon the Pestalozzian plan, which 
I shall speak of in this volume. 

But, to go on. Mr. S., as well as all people of educa- 
tion, perfectly coincided with me about the tracts and 
Sunday schools; and he had written several pieces on' 
the subject of improving our situation, and ridding priest- 
craft out of the country; which, as he wisely observed, 
had obtained a greater height, lor the lime, th.an under 
the old religion of the pope. 

On Monday evening my pailor was quite a levee 

almost every one flocked' in. The Hon Mr. Coulter 1 
had met with in the day— he was much better. But 
Mr. Jack was doubly welcome, for his brother's 
sake. I almost dreaded to see Mr. Jack, lest he might 
not be as good as his brother; but, if any difference, 1 
should say he was the best of the two. Pie was consi- 
derably taller than William Jack, and must have been 
neaij^ly" six and a half feet high, and one of the hiiest look- 
ing men in the world. There are several of these bro- 
thers which, as I observed before, are ncphens of Capt. 
Jack, whom I used to know when a child. The Captain 
is still living, but at some distance from Greensburgh; of 
course, I did not see him, nor did I see the child, now a 
man,vviiom he threw in the hemp-field when pmsued by 
the Indians. 

I saw none of the brothers but the one whc c ailed oa 
me, to whom I had a letter from his brother William. 1 
have heard that William has since gone to Europe for 
his health. These Jacks are all bachelors, a; ti are men 
of great wealth. Their father owned the la:.d where 
Greensburg now stands, and they still own a large quaa* 
tity of the finest land in Westmoreland. 



86 GREENSByUG. 

1 was forced to part with Mr. Barkley, his business 
calling him away early on the second day of my arrival. 
My best wishes went with him* He is quite a yoQng, 
interesting man, genteel, kind, and generous. 

Thus was I received and entertained, free of all cost, 
in the country of my childliood — Col. Rohrer refusing 
all compensation fof my board during my visit. It may 
be supposed, (notwi!liKtandif»g the loss of my baggage,) 
from ttie kindness and polite attention of the citizens, ex- 
cept as before excepted, I never was more pleased or 
more at home. There were several boarders at Col. 
Rohrer's, but he was the flower of the flock, and the 
only person, with ladies of llie family, worth naming 
about his house. The Col. is one of tiie most generous, 
warm-liearted men living, and his house is large, n«at, 
safe built, and commodious, and I would recommend ev- 
ery traveller to stop at his house instead of the stage- 
house, which is only a resort of pick-pockets, where no 
person is secure either in their person or property. This 
man having amassed a great fortune by the- road, and 
transporting the. m;iil, has become insolent and disoblig- 
ing; and never was calculated to keep a jiublic house for 
any thing but wagoners, and not fit to wait on tliem. He 
was not disposed to give either me or my friends the 
least sati faction on the subject of my loss. 1 trust, there- 
fore, the generous traveller will transfer his patronage to 
my friend, whom I can confidently recommeiid. 

HISTORY. 

Greensburg was settled by the Messrs. Jacks and the 
family of Mrs. Rohrer, who biought the Colonel a consi- 
derable fortune in land, which is greatly increased in 
value. 

I was very anxious to visit the place where Hannahs- 
towMi once stood, which was only three miles distant; but 
the road was said to be bad — unfit for a carriage, and I 
was afraid to venture on horse-back, not having been 
on horse-hack for, several years. It grieved me to the.' 

* We met again at Pittsburg. 



GREEN SBUUG. 37 

heart that I was compelled to sacrifice the pleasure of 
seeing a place where I first learned the nature of care; 
but my happiness at once mqre beholding Westmoreland, 
which I had never expected to see on this side the grave, 
-was certainly as complete and ample as any human be- 
ing ought to covet. No language can convey the thrill- 
ing pleasure I felt at once more ,,beholding these sylvan 
regions, unmatched in beauty by any other forest. The 
only thing I was not pleased with was its opulence and 
improvements. 

On the third day I took my departure for Pittsburgh, 
without hearing of my baggage. I had intended to awail 
the result of my letter to Messrs. Johnston and Stockton; 
but as, in my opinion, they had had time enough, I 
thought it prudent to proceed, particularly as I was in 
want of clothes. My friend Drum settled all that was to 
be done between me and the stage-man, as I was deter- 
mined never to approach the ruffian again. Wish the 
missionaries would convert him. Whilst waiting for the 
stage, I stepped into the parlor, and Mr. D. very polite- 
ly,,as I had not taken my coffee, had some made in- 
stantly. 

Whilst this was preparing I was struck by the ap- 
pearance of Mr. Drum's children — the finest children I 
had seen in the country. There were, I think, seven, 
and some nearly grown. Upon making some remarks as 
to what he intended to do with a fine looking youth, 
whom I found in the parlor, poor Mr. D. shook his head, 
"Ah, Mrs. R., they must trust to Providence, I have not 
one cent to give them — by endorsing for a friend I have 
lost the fruits of many years labor, and am not worth a 
dollar." A sigh was all I had to bestow upon this amia- 
ble man — one of the best of his species. Thus virtue is 
oppressed and vice prospers! — See how much the nais- 
iiionaries have begged. 

At length the stage came to the door, and with one 
man and woman only I set out for Pittsburg, which i« 
thirty-one miles from Greensburg. 
4_Vol. II. 



38 JOURNEY TO PITTSBUUG. 

The day was fine, and the country beautiful; and my 
pleasure may easily be imagined. 

After gaining the west side of the mountains the land 
is broken off into rounding swells of exquisite beauty, 
with a deep soil, covered with sugar-tree, walnut, beech, 
hickory, and locust — the tops of the trees in the hol- 
lows being even with the summit of the hills. 'The wind- 
ing streams — the neat bridges, intermingled with facto- 
ries and fertile meadows — the sportive colt — the massy 
barns, enlivsned the prospect the whole way.* On the top 
of every hill we have a grand prospect of the country 
for many miles, all uniformly rich, and the sugar-tree 
growing upon the summit of the hills as thick as hemp- 
stocks. It is impossible to describe the stateliness and 
exquisite symetry of these trees — so tall, so straight and 
slender; and yet the inhabitants, from never having seen 
any other, do not seem to appreciate the beauty and 
wealth of their country. 

Every now and then the rolling volumes of smoke 
proclaimed a dwelling at hand. Here we have brick 
instead of stone houses — very few stone houses appear 
west of the mountains — also, white headed children and 
handsome young women. These always come to the 
door to peep at the passengers. But, to their great dis- 
appointment, there was but one rather shabby beau in the 
coach, and advanced in years, and, very probably a mar- 
ried man. 

The woollen frocks, red and blue stripes, seems to be 
the national dress of the females from Bedford to Pitts- 
burg. But the flush of the cheek, bright and lively eye, 
the glossy hair, fair complexion, and steady, innocent 
countenance threw the costume far in the shade. 

We had not proceeded more than half a dozen mile* 
from Greensburg when a poor old man met us in the 
road, and ticking his old hat from his head, held it out for 
charity, without speaking a word. The cruel driver 
was passing him rapidly, when I called to him to stopj 

•You scarcely go a mile in Pennsylvania but you see a Preacher — 
aa signboards are called. They point out the road, but never travel it. 



JOUUNEY TO PITTSBURG. 3<9 

and had to speak very sharp to him before 1 could pre- 
▼ail. I threw a trifle into the hat, and my fellow-tra- 
veller, much to his honor, did the same, though his purse, 
like my own, was light. The beggar was the most piti- 
able looking object I ever saw, doubtless the victim of 
drink. He looked as if he had been half roasted, and 
tottered as he walked along, his limbs being scarce able 
to carry him. He muttered something upon receiving 
the bounty, and would no doubt spend it at the first ta- 
vern he came to, though he had more need of meat than 
drink. 

At the last stage, on this side of Pittsburg, where we 
changed drivers, horses and coaches, another of the line 
of robbers lives. I forgot my gloves in the coach, which 
Were a present from Miss Keime, of Reading; and, upon 
getting info the fresh coach, I left them on the seat of the 
other stage-coach, but the landlord denied they were 
there! I was much hurt to part with the gloves, for the 
Bake of the donor. They would have proved a great 
friend eventually, had the robber not stripped me of 
them — the last thing that was left me. Not contented 
with this act of cruelty, the ruffian had the insolence to 
walk some distance to the stage I was sitting in, and 
f bringing an old book in his hand, opened the door of the 
carriage and said, "Here is a book some gentlemen left 
here, is it your's ?" He seemed well acquainted with the 
gentlemen, as he called them, and was no doubt in the 
secret of the robbery. Thus, a regular line of robbers, 
as well as stages, is formed from the top of the Alleghe- 
ny to Pittsburg; and this line I see has recently been 
advertised as one of the best in the Union. It must have 
mended its manners greatly since I travelled in it. 

Towards evening we came in sight of the Mononga- 
hela, on our left: the appearance added to the multiform 
picture which now presented itself to the astonished eye? 
It is in vain to attempt a description of the stranger's 
feelings upon a first view of the scenery. Fields encir- 
cled by hills, and hills encircled by fields; the multitude 
of teams laden with iron for the Pittsburg forges; the 
Ta»t black coal-wagons; the jolly drivers and work-bands, 



40 PITTS3UKG. 

as black as Satan himself; the amazing thron<> and bustlCy 
which completely block up the road; the broad, spark- 
ling Mohongahela, seen at a distance of four miles, is 
only a foretaste of the Birmingham of America 

We soon however, lose sight of Monongahela, and the 
Allegheny meets your eye to the right, and the throng and 
bustle continue to increase till we arrived in the city. 

It grew dark some time before we reached the suburbs, 
which from the volumes ofsmoke, fires, and thundering of 
steam-factories, 1 took for the city itself; ^ve pass through 
this uproar of machinery upwards of two miles before we 
reach Pittsburg. The blood-tinged blaze, intermingled 
with volumes of smoke, rushing ouiwards and upwards, 
crossways and oblique ; it was equal to an exhibition of 
fire-works. 

The Arsenal of the United States, lies about two miles 
above Pittsburg on the Alleghany river, here the man who 
travelled with me got out of the stage and proceeded to 
the arsenal \yhere he it appears was engaged as a gun- 
smith. The woman wlio lived in Ohio, went on to Pitts- 
,'burg, where I arrived the 4th of December, 1828, having 
lost every thing but the clothes on my back and the 
reticule in my bosom, where 1 placed it lor safety. From 
the tim.e 1 left Philadelphia, 14th October, one month and 

20 days, I had travelled — miles. Tlie only time 

reckoned as lost was one day perhaps at Greensburg where 
I spent three days. The public will theiefore see by my 
travels bow this time w'as filled up. 1 ought to have ^men- 
tioned that my friend Col. Rhorer came to Pittsburg the 
same day as commandant of a guard, wMjo conveyed a 
prisoner from Greensburg to the State prison in Pitts- 
burg. They did not however permit me the honor of 
travelling in company. The CoL called on me however 
sundry. times while he remained in the city, and I parted 
with him finally with great regret. 

It may be supposed I felt a little anxiety upon drawing 
near the stage house, (the worst liouse but one I ever set 
foot in;) I longed to hear, but was afraid to ask, about 
the baggage which I faintly hoped must be in Pittsburgj 
but as this is a great town, to say nothing of the great 



PiTTifiObO. 41 

ttvern and great stage line — I must be more circumspect 
Every one knows that at taverns or stage-offices, (which 
ire mostly the same thing,) there is a small share of at- 
tention of some sort or another paid to the arrivals and 
departure of the stages. Either the landlord himself, his 
barkeeper, his farther, his son, his ostler, his cook, or 
his shoe-black, and I have once in my life seen a chamber- 
maid come to the door after dark with a candle in her 
hand to aid people — woman, an aged woman particulary, 
in dismounting from the stage, but no one appeared with 
a light at this place. 1 requested the driver to go and tell 
the landlord to come and help me out, he being one of the 
corps aforesaid, said it was none of his business, and 
madehimselfeasy; meantime, an old shabby man so drunk 
that he could scarcely stand brought the steps, (which 
are kept at stage houses for the purpose,) and placing them 
against the coach called to us to descend; not having re- 
covered from my lameness, and without a light I was by 
no means willing to trust myself with Ton? Toper, and 
told him to go and request the landlord or bar-keeper to 
come and bring a candle — not even a lamp at the door! 
He staggered into the house, and after staying some lime, 
he returned. I asked him " If any one was coming with 
a candle," "0 do you want a candle?" said he. To be briet, 
he appeard to be a stranger, and did not know the bar- 
keeper from Adam. His highness the driver, who had 
amused himself in exchanging salutations with his brother 
ruffians, began to be impatient, and we had to I'isk our 
necks at last by dismounting as well as we could.. The 
old drunkard was the politest man I found at last, and 
offered me his hand. "Get away you old drunkard," said 
I, " do you think I would let you touch me." "Not so 
drunk as you think," he replied with much spirit. The 
lady and myself", rendered r.ach other all the assistance we 
could, and descended saie, and bid adieu to the line for 
ever 1 hope. As we stept in at the door we were met 
by a finished-up, shrivel faced, grey headed animal, more 
like a babboon than a man, he had a candle in his hand, 
and thought he came to conduct us in — not he, he only 
came to receive the way-bill, to ascertain how much 
*4 



42 PlTTSBUliG. 

money was due for our fare. This was the stage-agent 
who.kept his office in the house. But as for landlord of 
barkeeper, saw none. Some of the people who put up at 
the place, had the politeness to show us into a small dirty 
over-heated parlor, wheie Tom, Dick, and Harry, were 
enjoying then)selves at their ease, about two thirds drunk^, 
a servant coming in, I request supper, and to be shfnvn in- 
to a private parlor, it being customary at all taverns that 
eV'fcr I was in before to keep a separate parlor for females; 
the servant replied only by a grin. Meantime the windows 
being without shutters or curtains; the rabble from the 
supper table would slop at them, and gaze at us, and one 
of the fellows in the room who was very drunk, and who 
said he had seen me at such a place, was veiy trouble- 
some. I prevailed with him however to go and hunt up 
the barkeeper and say, "We wanted supper and a cham- 
ber as quick possible." He sat off with great cheerfulness, 
and returning said, "Tea would soon be ready ;:"" but 
will the bar-keeper conie," "he would be in, in a mo- 
ment." All this while he had never seen the bar keeper, 
and doubtless, did not know such a man. After waiting 
events, patiently some time, a negro came in. I spoke 
very sharp to the servant, and asked if I was to have sup- 
per or not, he grined and went off. Shortly after this the 
bar-keeper, (as I found afterwards) cajme in, and I re- 
quested to be accommodated as quick as possible, or he 
must show me to another house. He was an awkward 
young man, but the best in the main about the house. After 
sitting in the parlor till I was ready to drop, and gazed 
at by every boatman in the vicinity, I was called to tea 
in the common dinmg room — no such thing, the servants 
apprised me, as setting private tables in Pittsburg; my 
heart began to ache your sure, but if any one I thought, 
could put up with such privations I could, and set dowo 
contentedly. 

But you all wish to know about the baggage — then 
there was no baggage of mine in Pittsburg so far as I was 
able to learn; the landlord who came to see me at the 
supper-table, went to the bar-keeper, and returning, 
brought the ill news that no baggage of mine had arrived 



PITTSBURG. 43 

I then repeated to him the circumstance, and that I should 
look to the proprietors of the line to make good the loss 
He neither appeared alarmed or the conaary, and very 
politely, accompanied me to the hook-store ot Messers 
Jonstonand Stockton; 1 had heard from the driver who 
drove down, whom we melon the road, that no extra 
baggage had arrived at the stage-office; hut having par- 
ticularly described the trunks, and the passengeis in the 
stage, in my letter to those gentlemen, I thought, per- 
haps, ihey might have gained some information on the 
subject; a!>d, fatigued as I was, I called upon ihem be- 
fore I retired to my chamber. But they had teen the 
one-eyed man, and in'errogated him respecting it. Ai 
well as I lecollect, his answer was, that he knew nothing 
about the matter. This was sufficient. lo convict jiim, a» 
he certainly did know every thing about it. I heard, 
moreover, that tiie Teagues were still in the city. But 
my chief dependence was upon Col. Lindsfcy; and know- 
ing the line, when they found it a serious matter, would 
exert themselves, I made myself quite easy, but deter- 
mined to arrest oneeye in the morning, and hold the line 
to it besides. Willi these impressions I .retired to mj 
chamber, which having two beds in it, I invited the old 
lady, who seemed fcarfui of sleeping by herself,' to come 
bto my chamber and take one of the beds. %'■ 

She was unaccustomed to travelling, and observing she 
had not taken tea when I did, I thought, perhaps, she 
was scarce of money, and gave the chamber maid a 
trifle to give hei' a cup of tea and some bread and butter. 
She had comphiiiied of a iiead ache, and being a widow, 
and destitute, ! h It for her. I sat up till she should have 
finished the tta, (she being in bed,) to lock the door after 
the maid, she waiting till the lady should have done. 
Whilst I was sitting at the table, deliberately reading a 
newspaper, the lady sipping her tea, which was placed 
in a chair by her bed-side, some one knocked at the 
door: the maid opened it, aftd in pops a great negro with 
a load of something, which he took from his head, and 
setting it down in the middle of the room, said " TrunksU 
we these your trunks, madam." " Yes, those are nay 



44 PITTSBtlKG. 

tranks, where did you find them?" " They came in ihif 
evening's mail-stage!" Which was not impossible^ at 
the mail-stage did come in after we arrived. 

This was quick work: "But where have they been all 
this time?" He could not tell; nor have I heard from 
that day to this who had them in possession, or where 
they came from; and had I made a great stir I should, 
probably, never have seen them again; but the perfect 
indifference I testified at the loss no doubt alarmed the 

firoprietors of the line, as it proved I considered them 
iable. 

I have my doubts however, as to the fact of their com- 
ing that evening, from a similar occurrance, which 1 shall 
mention after a while. 

Now, these trunks had been carried away five days 
since, where had they been? why did they not arrive in 
the mail stage or any stage before? I had enquired at every 
Btage-office on the way, they must have been known to 
be mine from my name, which was on the way-bill; and 
it is not probable the drivers, honestly disposed, would 
leave trunks of their appearance at any howse but a stage- 
office. But let them have been, in whose possession they 
may, every one who had a hand in the business beyond 
doubt ouglit, and would have been sent to the state pri- 
son, had they been prosecuted; and it was not only one 
man or one stage office, but the whole line from the top 
of the Alleghany to Pittsburg, was guilty in as much as 
they, seeing a woman's name on the trunks, and the s^me 
m the way-bill, and no wom'an in the stage! If these rob- 
bers were not combined, why did they not stop the bag- 
gage and make the drivers give an account of themselves? 
how did they know, and what right had they to suppose 
any thing than that 1 was murdered, and there is little 
doubt but I would have been murdered, had I not quit the 
Stage, as the driver and passengers could have no other 
motive in attempting to keep me in the stage by force. 
Had the proprietors been innoceKt,they would have come 
forward as gentlemen (which they are not,) and apologis- 
ed, and given up the principals of this daring outrage. I 
should have spared them and exposed the guilty. Thig 



PITTS Bunq. 45, 

iras their only, alternative; but they did not, and from 
their profound secrecy all around, 1 have little hesitation 
in saying, the line is a party in these illegal and danger- 
ous violation of" the laws, as I shall make appear more 
plain before 1 have- done; and in this line, the mail is car- 
ried, as I am informed, for I did not see it; and in this 
line numbers of innocent people travel at the hazard of 
life and propcrt}'. Are such people fit subjects lor pub- 
lic patronage? Are these men fit subjects for the palioiiage 
of the general government? The proprietor, v\*-ho live* 
in Pittsburg, at the same house where I put up, i under- 
•tood, was highly displeased at the circumstance, but he 
never showed his face to me; if he had been a man, why 
did he not come' forward and apologise, it is the le^st he 
could have done for such an outrage after r<iceiving mj 
money; and if the drivers were innocent, why would they 
connive at the conduct of the passengers; if the passen- 
gers, why .would they connive' at the robbery of the driv- 
ers, their numbers enabled them to oppose the robljery 
had they been so minded. One of the passengers .a shab- 
by looking Pat, (the best of the litinch,) being alarmed at 
the conduct of the other, refused to travel with tliem, ac- 
tually quit the stage at Laughlintown; and as for the 
one-eye who lived in PitL-^burg, he kept close while I re- 
mained there. But the Teagues, (who likewise hid their 
faces,) liad Ihey hot appeared in the garb of gentlemen,! 
ehould not have been so much surprised, both merchants, 
forsooth. TJie sliarp-faced fellow, it will be recollected, 
said he lived in Nashville, I hope my Tennesseeans will 
treat him with that contempt which he merits, and the 
broadfaced one, I do not know their names, who lives in 
Louisville;* I trust for the honor of Kentucky, will be 
treated in the same manner. Any man or set of men, who 
either as principal or abettors, would treat or suffer a fe- 
male to be treated in the manner I w'as, deserves to be 
kicked out of all company and expelled society. Per- 
haps these Teagues, having left their potatos and bog» 
behind them, wanted a little Tipparary fun,* they have it 

•The Bruadface drinks rather freely. 



46 PitTSDURG. 

Before I notice Pittsburg, I wish to finish the businesi 
with this famous line; a large bundle of mine containing 
fifty books, was to have been forwarded to me in the 
itage by Colonel Lindsey of M'Connelstown, and ought 
to have preceded me in course of time; I enquired for it 
when I first came; it had not arrived. I left word at the 
bar, which is also a stage-office, that such a bundle direct- 
ed to me would arrive, and to apprize me of it the mo- 
ment it came; having said this, I took a tour through the 
city, and was out until night; upon my return, the first 
thing was to enquire for the bundle. It had not arrived, 
I retired supposing it might come in some of the evening 
stages; next morning I enquired again, no bundle yet, and 
after taking my coffee, I set out through the city again 
and coming in about two o'clock, I was surprised at meet- 
ing Mr. Drum of Greensburg in the passage. I had left 
strict injunction with Mr. Drum to attend to the arrivals 
in the stage at Greensburg, (as the reader may remember 
the short-coming of the stage agent at that place also,) 
and -attend to every thing with my name on it, and see it 
was put in the stage; Mr. Drum hardly took time to salute 
before he asked, if I knew my books had come: no, I replied, 
I am glad to hear it, I have been looking for them every 
moment; they were here yesterday or the day before, as 1 
put them in the stage myself shortly after you left Greens- 
burg; but they have not arrived iiere, said I, they must 
still lie on the road some where; they are here, said Mr. 
Drum, I saw them this moment, they were here yester- 
day when 1 arrived, and finding they were still in the bar, 
I enquired for you, to inform you, but you did not return 
until night, and not happening to be in when you came 
home, I have waited here all this day to tell you; I said it 
could not be possible, and he to convince led me into the 
bar-room, and there was the bundle sure enough! What 
have the proprietors to say of this? It appeared that 
Mr. Drum being on a journey down the river, called to 
see whether the bundle had come safe, and my business 
calling me out late and early, Mr. Drum found great diffi- 
culty in seeing me, and from finding the bundle still in the 
bar-room, concluded I was ignorant of its arrival, and 



PITTSBURG. 47 

delayed his journey until he should have seen me, and 
determined not to leave the city until he saw me in pes- 
•essionof the bundle. Now I would ask our great na- 
turalists and all profound philosophers, whether thesd 
/too men Mr. D. and the agent, were made of the same 
materials? I should say not, I should say at least, that 
one had the heart of a man and the other the heart of a 
beast. This is the pinched-up monkey looking man, 
whom I met the first night, well matched and ^oubtlesi 
one of the corps; they thought they would have some- 
thing out of me— fifty dollars was a good grab. "Why 
did you deny having this bundle, sir?" said I, to old 
pinch-face, (an old bachellor.) He was silent, and an 
hundred gallowses was pictured in his face. How much 
do 1 owe you? [the man must be a missionary.] Mr. 
Monkey, " a dollar," he enarled out— he found his tongue 
at last, and rolled his wall-eyes upside down, inside out, 
and knashed his teeth, while his bushy grey hair stood 
on end. Why dont the missionaries convert him? 

If you see a man with a monkey's phiz, which looki 
as though it were incircled with the bushy tail of a grey 
squirel, it is the stage agent of the Pittsburg and Phila- 
delphia line. I have not the honor of knowing his name. 
He flew in a gr/^at rage, and shut the door in my face; 
and I believe in my soul if Mr. Drum had not protected 
me he would have struck me. So much for the stage 
line. 

Mr. Drum, after putting me in possession of the books, 
but for whom, I should, probably, never have seen them, 
took his departure. 

In the evening, the barkeeper came to me with my ac- 
count, and requested me to get another house, as I had 
insulted the agent: the landlord would not keep any one 
in his house who would insult him. The account was 
only two dollars. I had dined, once, and been robbed 
^'^l^^.'J ^^^''^ '^^ ^° ^'^^ wo^^d to judge who was insulted. 

Griffin, 1 think is the name of the landlord; if that 
man deserves the name, who is not master of his own 
house:— all missionaries. I gave myself little conceri 
about the matter, as ihey kept a sign, and the. stage bring- 



48 PITTS BUllG. 

ing mc to their house, they were obliged to keep me. 
But I had, as you might suppose, intended to leave this 
den of robbers as quick as possible; but, mind you, Idid 
not go till I saw my own time. The mayor of the city» 
with my friend, Mr. Roberts, calling that same evening, I 
applied to them to procure me a boarding house. They, 
rery politely, returned the next day; and Mr. Roberts, a 
most amiable man, took me to his own house, where, I 
had the honor of dining with the mayor, who dined at. 
Mr. Roberts' out of respect to me; an hcnor which the 
clown at the tavern neither knew how to appreciate or 
bestow. 

This tavern was the most blackguard house, but one, I 
ever was in. This is the effect of money; his house be- 
ing flooded with company, and the same of their line. 
Whenever people, who have been raised in the ashes, 
become rich, they immediately become insolent and ty- 
rannical. The company, however, that resort to the 
house, are low and vicious, the refuse of society; chiefly 
boatmen; and you have, when passing out and in, to pass 
tlirough a phalanx of these ruffians, who make the com- 
mon passage their parlor, as there are but two small par- 
lors in the house; and.these are below stairs. The house 
is small and dirty; and the chambers, the-most convenient 
part of the house, have some two, and some three, and 
even four beds. The chamber-maids are slow and slut- 
tish, and inattentive withal. I happened to curry favor 
with one of the men-servants, by paying him nearly ai 
much as I paid the landlord, to bring my meals up stairs, 
what few I eat in the house, rather than eat amongst 
iuch a rabble, and be attended by insolent servants. 

Since I began to write the article on Pittsburg, I ha^'o 
noticed this man's advertisement; praising his house, 
himself, and saying a number of line things of it. The 
decent part of the community, however, will take a 
word from a friend, and avoid it. I wondered at the man 
to come out in the papers in such language as, "Nothing 
ihall be wanting to render the accommodations equal t» 
uny in the United States:" to this he pledges himsellj 
•»tad moderate charges, and personal attention;" such a« 



PITTSBURG. 49 

they paid tome when I got out, of the stage with another 
female, without assistance, and the rufiians peeping at 
us through the windows, (hope he has purchased curtains 
or blinds,) and has the impudence to mention ^' mail sta- 
ges and accommodation stages" — very accommodating 
stages indeed! Bat the public are not to be gulled. The 
best advertisement of a tavern, is a man who is master of 
his own house, in the first place; and second, a good ta- 
ble, and private rooms, and accommodatins? servants, to 
say nothing of order and genteel company^ All I have 
to say,lurther is, that if people wish to be treated well 
for their money at Pittsburg let them go to Mr. Ramsey's 
tavern, and if they are disappointed, 1 am once in myjife, 
mistaken. Any man and everv man, might know, that if 
these people (for I believe, and have the best right in the 
world lo think so) had any sense of honor left, they wOuld 
have come out with a public apology, as they knew well. 
as a censor of morals, 1 should advert to it; but, their 
good opinion of themselves, kept their tiue interest be 
hind the curtain. The tavernkeeper is quite a genteel, 
good-looking man; but is nor, it appears, the master vi 
the house. 

There is no city in the Union I was more anxious to 
see, than Pittsburg. For though I had spent some years 
of my childhood in Westmoreland, the adjoining county. 
I had never seen it. Every book, however, in which it 
was mentioned, and the descriptions of travellers, I de- 
voured; and as I belonged to the western country myself. 
I felt proud of its astonishing prosperity and improve- 
ments. From the various accounts of travellers, I had 
endeavored to form some opinion of Pittsburg; but, from 
envy, jealousy, and carelessness in some, and ignorance 
mother writers, I never saw any accurate description of 
Pittsburg. My friend Flint, of Cincinnati, though a fine 
wriTer, I should, if I dare, say, he was rather too par- 
tial to his own dear city. Now, I cannot bring myself 
even to know what it is to be partial if I would, nor do 
I see what is gained by it. { cannot see w!>at advantage 
IS gained by concealing the advantages or disadvantages 
- any town or community: give them all they are enti- 
5— Vol. II. ■ ^ 



50 , PITTSBURG. 

tied to, and fairly outstrip them if you can. It ought ra- 
ther to inspire us with emulation than envy, to hear of the 
temporal blessings of our neighbors. We are all one fa- 
mily; and the advantage of one is the advantage of the 
whole. Success to all our towns, I say — east and west, 
north and south; and that they may all become great and 
happy, is my fondest wish; barring the missionaries — the 
greatest curse we have in our land. I say, destruction to 
them; as nothing but ignoiance and poverty follow them. 

Of all states in the Union, Pennsylvania certainly com- 
bines more resources of wealth, case and comfort, na- 
ture having enriched her with a bountiful hand. The 
whole slate abounds with coal, iron^ grain, and even su- 
gar, and that curse of all our blessings, whiskey, within 
itself I have seen nothing but coal, since 1 have been ia 
the stale: but the coal, west of the Allegheny, is by far 
tlie best. Dig any where, and yeu find coal, which is 
conveyed to tiie people's houses, for a few cents, off of 
their own farms. Iron and salt abound in west Pennsyl- 
vania, and their lands produce in abundance. The whole 
state, from one end to the oliier, excepting the moun- 
tahis, is rich, and lies well, and not a bad managed farm 
in the whole. But Pittsburg enjoys still more of the 
bounties of nature. In the midst of endless beds of coal, 
iron and salt, at its doors, and the trade of three fme riv- 
ers, to say nothing of its industry and sk'ill in the appli-- 
cation of its mechanical and physical powers. 

The reader will perceive I am almost deterred from 
taking Pittsburg in hand; and I must say I dread it more 
than any subject I ever took up. I was thirteen days ob 
my feet taking notes, viewing and admiring the work- 
shops, from early in the monring till dark, and often long 
after; and from the mud on the pavements, occasioned by 
the bursting of the pipes (which happened at thai time) 
to convey water over the city, the smoke and black from 
the coal, and fumes of the furnaces,- I had a most far 
tiguing tour of it. it was infinitely greater than my tour 
through the whole state; and such was my ardor to com- 
plete if, that i never stopped to dine but once! The task 
was certainly too great for a female, particularly one of 



PITTSBURG. 51 

«fiy years; and being quite lame at the time, I was scarce- 
ly able to crawl home at night. My weariness was sucji, 
that I was unable to sleep or take sufficient refreshment; 
but, I determined not to look back. 

The best description I have met with, of Pittsburg, 
is a small work by S. Jones, Esq. called a "Directory of 
the City, and a view of its various manufactories, popula- 
tion, &c." This little work is certainly the most accu- 
rate I have seen; though it has been written two years 
ago, and of course there are many improvements, and 
manufactories built since. But of all the bungling, in- 
correct, and insignificant accounts of Pittsburg, that giv- 
en by the Duke of Saxe Weimer is the most so. He em- 
braces the whole of it in a very few words, and there is 
scarcely a word of truth in any thing he says: he misap- 
plies names, misplaces objects, and makes some of the 
most unpardonable misrepresentations ever published. 
He merely rode out in his carriage, to one of the manu- 
factories, it is said, which he says belongs to one njan, 
while it belongs to another; and took the balance by 
word of mouth from some blockhead, doubtless. 

The people of Pittsburg were greatly mortified when 
his book came out; and well they might. 

GEOGRAPHY OF THE CITY. 

Pittsburg is entireljr concealed by hills, approaching it 
from any point, excepting the Ohio river. 

As we drove down the Allegheny river, we were 
closely hemmed in by a vast hill, on our left. This hill 
makes a sudden stop, as you draw near the city, and 
runs across in a steep, perpendicular precipice, to the 
Monongahela, forming a perfect wall in its rear, seventy 
feet high. This hill takes different names in its progress: 
that part opposite the point, or the great body of the 
city, is called Grant's hill; so named from Col. Grant, 
who was defeated on its summit by the French and Indi- 
ans in 1758. That part of it on Monongahela, is called 
Boyd's hill, from one Boyd, who hung himself there. 
That part, extending to Allegheny river, is also distin- 



-t-^ PITTSUUllC. 

^uislicd by the name of Quarry liill, 440 feet Ligij. 

Over each river there are also seen vast hills, so that 
vou are in the cily, before you can see it. 

Its situation is mutth lower than I e.xj)ected to find it; 
more level,. md the hills much higher. The city runs up 
upon the bank.s of both rivers, beyond its limits in ihr 
centre; much farther up the Allegheny, liowever, than ihe 
Monongahcla; and the point gives it the figure of a trian- 
gle. It is about one mile on one river — one and ihrec- 
tourths on the other. 

The whole of the city sits on an even plain, from thir- 
ty to forty feet above low water mark; higher, however, 
upon the Allegheny side. On the opposite side of the 
Mlegheny river, is a steep hiil, called Hogback hill. 

On the opposite shore of" Monongahela, is another 
steep, called Coal hill: In this hill, nearly opposite the 
city, a fire has been burning for many years, which is 
visible by the smoke; the coal having caught fire, by 
what means is unknown to any ol the present race. But 
It is generally supposed to have caught from the care- 
lessness of the miners. Several attempts have been 
made to extinguish this fire by stopping the holes and 
lissares on the surface; but all in- vain; it still contiiiuec 
to burn, and is daily incrrasing. Serious consequences 
are apprehendetl from it in course of lime. There is an- 
.;her eminence called Casfleman's Flill. 

Coal Hill is 465 feet high, and very rugged. The 
lieight of Hoe;hack hill is unknown: it is a barren emi- 
nence of an unsiglitl\ appearance. 

"In all these elevations, coal is found in immense quao- 
iitics — except in Grant's, Boyd's, and Hogback hills; 
their altitude not being sufficient to bring tiiem within the 
range of the great strata of that mineral which pervades 
this region. 

''The scenery around Pittsburg is very beautiful,'' I 
am told, in summer, "and when viewed from some point"?, 
present:; the most inif-resting associations of nature and 
art. The view from Castleman's hill, is not surpassed 
in any country — earth, air, lock, wood, water, town and 
-ky. break upon the vision in torms the most picturesque 



flTTSB iRG. 53 

and delightful. Coal hill, immediately above the burning 
pits, is another point of interesting observation, where 
the eye, at a single glance, takes in a hundred beauties, 
whicli might vie with the purest and brightest of the oth- 
er hemisphere. 

"Pittsburg has several suburban villages, that contrib- 
ute to,, and are supplied from the great centre, with 
which their strength and prosperity are intimately con- 
nected. 

"On, or nearly adjoing the north-eastern boundary of 
the city, and on the flat between Quarry hill and the Al- 
legheny river, the Northern Liberties are situated, and 
are intended as a continuation of Pittsburg. They were 
laid out in 1816, by Geo. A. Bayard, and James Adams: 
and are now improving rapidly, and contain the Phoenix 
Cotton Factory, Juniata Iron Works, &c. 

"Adjoining the south-eastern boundary of the city, on 
the Monongahela, stands Kensington, or as it is commonly 
called, Pipe-town; deriving this name tlirough one of its 
early settlers, an eccentric little gentleman, still well 
known among all classes, for his odd humor, and the uni- 
versality of his mechanical genius, Mr. William Price, 
who established a pipe manufactory there. Kensington 
is partly on a steep hill side: the houses which are low, 
seem to stick to the side of Boyd's hill, by magic. 

Over the Monongahela, is another considerable village 
called Birmingham; it is incorporated into a borough, and 
sits at the base of CoalHill, on tlie bank of the river: 
and here- the celebrated Birmingham glass is manufactur- 
ed, il :>"'so contains several steam-mills, and an extensive 
lock i;:.;ii:. factory. It is well built, and makes a hand- 
some appearance from Pittsburg. 

Over the Allegheny river, directly opposite the city, 
is another very handsome and flourishing town, called 
Allegheny. The Western Penitentiary is built here; one 
of the most splendid buildings in the United States; and 
the site of the town is, by far, one of the most pleasant 
of any in the vicinity, or even Pittsburg itself. It is un- 
rivalled in the scenery and soil. There are two superb 
bridges: one over Monongahela, and one over Allegheny, 
5* 



■4 PITTSBITRG. 

01 the first architecture, and are the finest ornaments be- 
longing to Piltsburg; cost, nearly one million dollars eack. 
, Two miles above Pittsburg, is the village of Laurence, 
the seat of the United States arsenal, on the Allegheny. 

As to the soil . beyond the hills, which surround Pitts- 
burg, I am unable to say any thing, as I did not extend 
my views beyond the vicinity. 

The Allegheny river is 1100 leet wide at Pittsburg, 
and the Monongahela 1400 feet wide. 

No language can convey the beautiful appearance of 
these rivers. I should say the Allegheny was the hand- 
somest of the two; it is equal in beauty to the Ohio, and 
just such another river. 

These rivers, and the Ohio and bridges exclusively, 
(Constitute one of the handsomest sights, bevond doubt, 
m the Union: I mean where beauty alone is considered. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

I had heard so much of the steam manufactories, and 
coal, and smoke, of Pittsburg, that I tried to form some 
idea of them; but was greatly disappointed: mpre smoke 
tkan I could have conceived; and the manufactories were 
far beyond my conception in skill of workmanship, anel 
amount of capital. But I give the population of all the 
tdwns, m the first place: 



Pittsburg City contains 
Northern Liberties 
Kensington 
Birmingham 
Allegheny Town 
Miscellany 


! lO.GOOinhab.* 
711 
390 
459 

702 
260 



Total, 13061 

Of those born in foreigi countries, 3000 or nearly ,t 

*Increase, since last census, upwards of 3000. 
jTakeB two years since. 



PITTSBURG. 55 

Pittsburg, at the last enameration, contained — 
Dwellinf^ houses 1140 

Churches 12 

Public buildirigij 7 

Stores 60 ^ 

Groceries 146 

Well done! iiow they convert the heathen here, 
with brandy. The missionaries are doing good: they 
ought to hare a church, at least for every grog-shop. 
Grive them more money, 

Banks J 

Taverns 16 

Factories, mills, and shops 440 

Ware-houses, &c; 76 

This number, however, has greatly increased, and 
buildings are going up at this time in ail parts of the city. 
Most of the houses are brick, and some of them are lofty, 
fine buildings; but all the houses are colored quite black 
with the smoke: the interior of the houses atp 8till worse 
carpets, chairs, walls, furniture — all black wuh smoke: 
rao such thing as wearing white: the ladies moL- ly dress 
in black; and a cap or white ruff, put on clean in the 
morning, is tinged quite black by bed- time: the ladies 
are continually washing their faces. Meantime, the smoke, 
particularly in tlie absence of the sun, is quite annoying 
to the eyes of strangers; and every thing has a very gloomy, 
doleful appearance at first; excepting, always, the interiop 
of the workshops. But, in a few days, the stranger be- 
eomes so familiar to it, that the novelty of the thing is 
completely worn off, and your walks and rambles through 
the city are pursued with the same pleasure common to 
others. 

In all the towns of Pennsylvania, of any size, the pub- 
lic buildings and offices are built os> squares, in the centre 
of their towns, or boroughs, as (he. are called. These 
squares are uniformly called "The Diamond," I had of- 
ten heard the word, and from haste and inattention never 
stopped to ask what it meant; and that it tneant the pub- 
lic square, i:: one of the last things I sTiould take it to ar 
ply. "You will find such a man on the east, west, &>: h^' 



i>6 PITTSBURG. 

the diamond," said my friend, Mr8. Roberts. "And what 
is the Diamond?" "Where the market-house is. Don't 
you know where Mr. Baldwin's office is? there is the 
Diamond." 

The Diamond is about the centre of the city; is large, 
tnd contains the market-house in the centre, and the pub- 
lic buildings, attorney's offices, arid a few oyster cellars. 

The public buildings are large, and well built of brick: 
the churches are small, and make no show, excepting 
one just rebuilt, touched off in great Gothic style: the 
others will soon follow; as one fool makes many. Can 
men be suc'h fools as to think that man believes in a God, 
who gives such proofs of pride and show? How many 
poor people are there in Pittsburg,. to whom this money, 
(worse than thrown away,) would have been a salutary 
relief? and would it not have been more pleasing to God? 
This may be the religion of pride and wickedness; but, 
that it is the religion of Jesus Christ, I deny.* These 
wicked priests always lead me »S'^ Vitus'' dance. 

The streets of Pittsburg are not regular, running in all 
directions; most of them, however, angle with the Mo- 
nongahela: they are paved, but not lighted: the sidewalks 
»re narrow; and the whole are dirty, and in wet weather, 
rery muddy, in some parts of the town. 

The citizens are now engaged in furnishing the city 
with good vvater, and have sunk a very handsome reser- 
Toir upon the top of Grant's hill for the purpose. But 
from some cause, to me unknown, the pipes have mostly 
bursted, and flood the streets with water, which I lound 
rather unpleasant. 

Pittsburg contains thirty-five streets, thirty-seven al- 
leys, nine courts, and two rows. Most of the houses ar» 
■umbered. 

POLICE. 

Pittsburg is governed by a Mayor, Recorder, eight 
Select Councilmen, two presidents, fourteeo Common 



*How many fine churcbei did our Sariour build? DoiibtleM, h«.had 
ttttmeani. 



riTTSBURG. 57 

oouncilraen, and twelve Aldermen. Besides the Mayor's 
Courts, three other Courts hold their sessions in Pitts- 
burg, riz: The United States' Court for the Western Dis- 
trict of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court for tlie West- 
ern District of Pennsylvania, and Court of Common 
Pleas. 

There are in Pittsburg, thirty-two attorneys, and coun- 
sellors, and sixteen Physicians; and besides the public 
buildings mentioned, a museum, the Western University, 
a High School, an Academy, and sundry smaller schools.* 

The nianners of the people of Pittsburg, as m all oth- 
er large towns, some are liberal and polite; and others, 
quite the reverse: the latter, it may be supposed, are the. 
Bible, tract and Sunday school people, which rather have 
the ascendency here; of course, education does not flour- 
ish. The university exists only in name; and cannot be 
said to be in operation, though it has a long string of pro- 
fessors. I shall notice the state of society before I hayc 
done, more particularly. 



WESTERN UNIVERSITY. 



The following gentlemen are ihp professors, viz: 

Rev. R. Bruce, Principal, and Professor of Natupal 
Philosophy. . 

R. J. Black, (of church and state memory) Professor of 
Ancient Languages and Classical Literature. 

Rev. E P Swift, Professor of Moral Science. 

Rev. C. B. McGuire, Professor of Modern Languages. 

Rev. J. H. Hopkins, Professor of Rhetorick and Belles 
Lettres. 

If ever this university comes to any thing, under so 
many Reverences, I am greatly mistaken: and the build- 
ing, instead of being erec<ed out oi the city, upon some, 
of those beautiful eminences, away from the smoke and 
crowds of visitors, busvness-men and boat men, it is bu- 
ried in an obscure part of the city. 

^The historian says, there are forty teademios tnd schools in Pitts- 
Nnrg! in his brain, he meant. 



^8 PITTSBURG. 

While walking in search of it, I passed a small brick 
jiuilding in one of the back streets, and still kept inquir- 
ing for the university. "Why there it is;" said my guide. 
I was astonished at the building: but Mr. Bruce (a very 
gentlemanly looking man by the way) said they were go- 
ing to build an addition: and after apprising him of my 
▼iews, he said I could not see the interior of the building 
then, as the students were in their rooms. I asked him 
for a catalogue: he had none printed, but would write 
one, which would be ready next day. In passing the 
•ame street, the following day, the house reminded me 
of the paper promised by Mr. Bruce. I stepped into the 
lower part of the university, as Mr. Bruce's door (same 
building) was shut, and found a few rude looking boys 
there, and a yellow man teaching. I looked about for 
the black man, but saw none but the mulato, Avho appear- 
ed genteel, and seemed to be a man of learning, as he was 
teaching Latin. I inquired for Mr. Bruce; he was in the 
house. I requested his son, whom I found with the boys, 
to go to him for the paper. He ran off, and soon return- 
ed with it; and as I stepped out of the door, I met a 
young man coming down stairs. I asked if a»y of the 
professors were up there. "Yes;" said the young man, 
''you had better go up and see them;" rather sneeringly. 
I replied, I thought they might have had politeness 
enough to come down and see me; and stepped out to 
pursue my tour over the city; when every boy in the 
school came to the door and blackguarded me — "huzza 
for Jackson," &c. as loud as they could bawl. Mrs. B. 
was sitting upon the sill of her door, within four feet of 
them. I pointed to the mob: "A fine specimen, madam, 
of your labors." She said nothing, and I walked on, when 
the whole of the scholars, in spite of their teacher, 
some nearly grown, mobbed me through the street, until 
I was forced to take shelter in the house of Mr. Smith, 
whose son was with me at the time. We had some dis- 
tance to go, and had we not met a drove of four legged 
hogs, who joined our side, the two legged ones would 
certainly have worsted us. They had the insolence to 
pursue us to the very gate of Mr. Smith, who resented 



PITTSBUKG, 59 

the insult so highly, that he jumped up and ran for a con- 
stable. In the meantime, the ruffians ran away. I should 
think Mr. Smith would make an excellent professor, ai 
he taught these boys more, in the course of a minute 
than they had learned in their whole lives. I am aston- 
ished that legislatures do not see these priests have be- 
come too abandoned to church and state principles, to 
have any thing to do with the education of youth; and 
the money had better be thrown into the fire, than wastefd 
in this manner. Learning is entirely extinct. Where 
is there a learned man to be found, since the reign of 
tracts and missionaries? Not one in the whole of these 
dens, or scarcely any where else. Mr. Bruce is a Scotch 
gentleman, and a man of learning, liberality, and clever- 
ness; but what can he do? tied hand and foot by tbosc 
artful designing men, the trustees, and the other profes- 
sors. Read an extract from the Rev. Black's Sermon, 
in the. first volume of my Black-Book, and say whether 
such a traitor is fit to be trusted with the tuition of youthi, 
unless it be to . make slaves of them. The people say', 
in Pittsburg, Black is a covenanter; a sect, with whom 
the Presbyterians do not agree. Tell me nothing of cov- 
enanters. I saw the Presbyterians very busy, strewing his 
church and state sermon oyer the deck of the Union Line 
steam-boat. This sham story is not to deceive me; it is 
one of these seditious sermons I took the extract from 
being on the boat at the time when a gang of these trai- 
tors were scattering a number of seditious papers, for 
which they ought to have been arrested. Let any maa 
read the sermon, and say whether or not, a man, who 
would utter such treason, is fit to be trusted, one hour, 
with the instruction of youth. 

It ap))ears to me that the people of the United States 
have entirely lost sight ol' their liberty, and aie bent on 
becoming slaves. 

Mr.and Mrs. Bruce, when they heard who I was, sent 
a very polite apology, and an invitation to spend the eve- 
ning with them. I called upon them, to show I bore them 
no resentment: but, poor things, I gave them a most 
cutting lecture, and 1 have little douhi but it had a good 



60 PITTSBURG. 

effect. Mr. B.is a very fine looking man, entirely void 
of tfiat black vengeaiice looking countenance, common to 
these bluestockings; and, doubtless, they cannot get a 
Letter man, if lu were free to act as he pleased; but, ti- 
ed up, as lie is, by the trustees and professors, his learn- 
ing and talents, which he certainly has, are thrown away.* 
1 told him I would patronize him; but he must drive 
Black off, or I would put down the university. "My 
eyes." if ever there was a greater burlesque. Let th6 
legislature, if it will give money to educate youths, sec 
that it is properly applied, and put out all those traitors 
who have, wherever they are, turned the seminaries in- 
to tract and missionary societies. Little is the legislature 
aware of the deep-laid plan of these traitors. 1 will 
open their eyes before I am done: I shall lay a i^tw papers 
before them to show what they are about University! 
not half as good as an old field school; not half as much, 
in appearance, like a university as mother Dickinson. The 
whole of these colleges cannot be broken up too soon, 
and organized upon a different plan; and these bluestock- 
ings ought not to be allowed to remain in any scliool ox 
seminary. 

MISS PARRY, 

Is at the head of an academy tor young ladies. I did 
not approve vf her manner altogether, and gave her my 
opinion pretty freely; and pointed out what method, I 
thought she ought to pursue. I dare say, the lesson I 
gave her, joined to her own good sense, may produce the 
happiest constquence. I do not approve of this praying 
in schot;!; it only tends to hypocrisy, ai;d destroys respect 
for religion by making it an old song; and thoiie childrea 
are always the most vicious who are accustomed to those 
long spun prayers, night and morning. To avoid this, 
Hrgii Schools ought to be uniformly established, where 
the children and youths are instructed in useful knowl- 
edge in the first place, and left to their own free will, to 

*He was some time professor in Columbia CoJJege, N. T. 



PITTSaURG. 61 

choose what cliurch they please. No sectarianism or 
catechism is allowed m High Schools. Miss Parry is 
quite young, and deserves much credit. 

MISSES ROBERTS AND CAMPBELL. 

These young ladies have a large school, or academy ra- 
ther, of both sexes, and also deserve much applause for 
their assiduity and method, which was very easily per- 
ceived by the politeness of the pupils, who all arose from 
their seats, upon my entrance. 

A variety of branches are taught here, as well as at 
Miss Parry's school. They are both very amiable and 
well educated females; and though quite in the bloom of 
youth, sacrifice the pleasures of society, and those amuse- 
ments congenial to their age, for the benefit of their 
species. 

THE SISTERS OP CHARITY, 

Also, have a very large school in Pittsburg, and are able 
teachers here, as well as every place they are found; but 
their academy being on the top of a quarry-hjll, I was 
unable, from incessant fatigue, to visit it. Nor was 1 
able to see the Roman Catholic priest, an aged and most 
worthy man, (from report,) who presides over the school. 
These Sisters of Charity are the most heavenly lookinii: 
females on earth, wherever they are found. 

HIGH SCHOOL. 

This is the only High School 1 have'seen in Pennsyl- 
vania. I understand there is a well established High 
School in Philadelphia; but being very imprudently called 
by some other name, "Franklin Institute," perhaps, I 
never dreamed of its being a High School. Why they 
(lo^ not call it by its right name, 1 should be pleased to 
know; they must lose considerable by it, as High SehooU 
are;:becoming very popular. 

The High School at Pittsburg, of course, is, by far, the 
6_Vol. II. 



62 PITTSBUUG. 

best conducted seminary in the place; and I was pleased 
to find it very full, and a liberal unitarian Yankee at the 
head of it * It is kept in the unitarian church; the se- 
cond I have seen in the state, since I left Philadelphia; 
the first was at Harrisburg. 

This seminary, with the exception of the Moravians, 
is worth all the schools and universities in the state. Let 
the people take this as a pattern. See the intelligence, 
the modesty, and manly appearance of these boys: see 
the difference between them and the mob crew of the 
university; and though it may very possibly happen, that 
not more than one in one hundred is competent to judge 
between them; yet, that one is sufficient, when the fact 
to be decided is self-evident. But the plain truth of the 
business is, there is not one in a thousand, nay, ten thou- 
sand, lake them as they run, who cares the amount of 4, 
straw which is the best, or which is the worst teacher — 
so that'it is a school, and his child goes to it in the morn- 
ing, and returns home at night! A lady once told me, 
she never did any thing in her life, but go to school. "My 
fiither paid a hundred dollars for my eddicashin. I went 
to school seven years: very few people has done as well 
by their darters as daddy has:" at the same time she could 
not spell her own- name. From the state of society at 
Pittsburg, I would suppose they follow daddy's example; 
'^Oh, 1 just send him to be out of the way!" If the 
])eople of the United States go on in this way, the black 

*1 find my friends, in the west, are far in the back ground with r 
ispect to liberal and general information: a very genteel man from 
.Ohio invited me to call at his to"'n, Cincinnati, in my intended lour. 
1 fisked him what sort of people they were; whether they were liber- 
al, &c. and whether there were any unitarians there. "God forbid," 
said my friend. He was certainly one of the ibise men. I have bees 
told the Jackson people reckon the unitarians little less than the d — 1, 
and KC them down as Adams men, monarchy men, federalists, &c. 
— Stuff: — are not many of the uuitarions firm Jackson men? 1 thought 
my countrymen had more sense. I say, the unitarians, as a sect, are 
amongst the roost virtuous, moral, charitable, intelligent people I have 
found, and it is well known no one despises federalism more. "But 
they hold err6neous opinions about God." What is that to us.' a sure 
sign of a hypocrite or a fool. Have we not all a right to think as wr. 
please: and as for Gcd, their knowledge of him is about equal, in ray 
humble opinion. 



PITTSBURG. Q3 

coats will very shortly take that trouble off their hands. 
These wolves in sheep's skin, have the children all class- 
ed as regular as though they were sheep and goals: some 
are to be servants : all the poor children are laid off in 
lots: one lot to serve in the houses of the great, such as 
Dj. Ely: others are to be hewers of wood and carriers 
of water; and they can clii;icli it with a text of scripture. 
This is the intent of Sunday schools, and the end of pick- 
ing up children in the streets. Little are the pai-ents of 
these children aware of the industry of these men and 
madams, who coax their children off, right or wrong, to 
the Sunday schools, and pray over them, and stuff them 
wifh tracts and texts, to make them bigots, and train them 
up 10 their hand. What does a child understand of the 
Bible.? No more than a goose. It is impious to put Bi- 
bles in the hands of children. Of a piece are their in- 
fant schools, now getting up. The people are certainly 
bewitched. But let facts speak. See how society has degen- 
erated since the reign of tracts and missionaries. Where 
is the native of Pittsburg who once shone on the bench? 
Where is the illustrious orator, that once honored the 
Pittsburg bar.^ Where are their Temples, their Woods, 
their Campbells and Brackenridges? Swallowed up by 
that all-devouring monster, priestcraft! 

The son of the great Brackenrid'ge I was told ivas in 
Pittsburg, a gloomy bigot. For his father's sake I strove 
to see him; but in vain — he kept out of my sight. True, 
they have a few Yankees here, and were it not for them 
the course of justice would cease — they would not be 
able to hold a court but for them. Every one knows I 
allude to the Hon. Judge Tilghman, Messrs. Baldwin, 
Forward, and a few enlightened foreigners. What is 
the cause of this.? Nothing else but suffering the blue- 
Btockings to slip into all their schools; by which means 
they have completely blocked up the road to knowledge. 
Pennsylvania, but particularly Pittsburg, ought to blush 
at this picture, which they cannot deny. What sort of 
lawyers and judges and statesmen think you these hog- 
mob yovihsoi: the University would make.' But that is 
the craft of the blue-skins, to plunge the people into ig- 



04 PITTSBUUG. 

norance that tliey may rule them.* Let the Germans 
open their eyes to this, and be busy, and haste to rid 
their schools of these fellows. I see they have begun 
tlie glorious work in Lancaster county, for which they 
will receive the approbation of after ages. Success to 
them — they are the only rational and free people in the 
State. 

But to return to the High school. The name of the 
principal is E. Worthington, Esq., a man of youthful, 
handsome appearance, and keen, sensible countenance. 
He has fifty-four students, who, besides the common 
branches, are taught drawing, which they do in a supe- 
rior style. But the modesty, intelligence, and politeness 
of the youths was truly interesting — unlike the rabble at 
the University. The moment I entered they all rose 
from their seats, and after making the most graceful bow, 
sat down again to their studies, from which they never 
raised their eyes while I remained in the school. When 
students conduct themselves in this manner, no other ev- 
idence is wanting of the qualifications of the teacher or 
the plan of tuition. I scarcely ever pay attention to any 
thing but the pupils of any seminary — their conduct 
proves every thing. 

I was told the University is about applying to the Le- 
gislature for more money. Better give it to institute 
more High schools, or turn the University into a High 
school: for I will insure the people of Pennsylvania that 
it will never come to any thing in its present state. 

MUSEUM. 

Lamhdin's Museum and Gallery of Painthigs was es- 
tablished 8th September, 1828, and now contains a valua- 
ble collection of paintings from ancient as well as mo- 
dern masters. Fine landscapes, by Doughty, Birch, 
Lawrence, &c. Pictures from the collection of Baroa 



*VVhat will Pittsbarg be, if it goes on in this manner, half a cen- 
tury hence? They cannot carry on their business now without calling 
in assiataDce. 



fitTSBUUG. 65 

Basse Muller. Portraits of distinguished, characters, by 
Stewart, Sully/Peale, and Lambflin. . " 

The Museum conlains about two hundred foreign 
birds, among which are the birds of Paradise; tvventy 
quadrupeds; five hundred minerals; three hundred fossils, 
amongst which are many bones of the Mammoth; three 
hundred marine shells; twelve hundred impressions of 
medals; one hundred ancient coins: a handsome- collec- 
tion of articles from the South seas; marine productions; 
Indian articles, &c. &c. 

I would suppose Mr. Lambdin to be man of great taste 
himself, from the neatness and skill displayed in the ar- 
rangement of, the articles in his Museum— all the a.^icles 
being put up in neater and better order than any TNiuseum 
I have met with. The shelves are white, neat, and so 
regular that fhey are a show of themselves; and the 
whole enlosed with glass. Here I, for the first time, 
saw flowers of all sorts, pinks, roses, &c. &c. made out of 
eea shells, the most extraordinary piece of labor and' in- 
genuity I ever saw, excepting the wooden globe iu Salem 
Museum. These flowers are of all sizes and colors, and 
are said to be the work of Mrs. Peale, of Philadelphia. 

Mr. Lambdin is himself an Artist, quite a genteel and 
most amiable man. It is hoped he may receive the fa- 
vor and patronage of travellers and enlightened strangers 
who pass through Pittsburg, it being the onlj specimen 
of taste or amusement in the city. No library — no 
athaneum — no gardens— no theatre, lest they might of- 
fend God's people, the mob-boys, the tract people. Rev. 
Black, Rev. *****, and a hundred other sly thieves. 
How godly-wise they are, and have to send 'to New- 
England, Ireland, Scotland, and even to ih^ ' ■ '" 3 for 
persons to conduct their public institution 

Every thing learned or liberal fall.=' ' arch 

of these priests. All the same— find th will, 

ihey are the same identical monsters ci v, , , sand 

despotism. I understood there was an A : -ntices' Li- 

*6 



66 PITTSBURG. 

brary got. up by a few liberal gentlemen* I wonder the 
blue priests did not ask for the money to spread the gos- 
pel. No theatre! Now, let me ask the citizens of Pitts- 
burg, seriously, which is the worse crime, to go to a 
play or get drunk? But I will bring the question nearer 
home: which is the greatest crime, to go to a play, or set 
down and write such a letter as I received from one of 
these godly women, it is supposed, as it is in a woman's 
hand — much more abandoned and obscene than that which 
1 received at Carlisle. Every gentleman in Pittsburg 
saw the letter, as I left it for a week or ten days in the 
Mayor's office to open inspection. The most obscene 
pictures drawn on blank parts of the paper, and the most 

shocking it was beyond shocking — beyond cdn- 

ception. The letter I received from the godly woman 
at Carlise was not a priming to it. I never heard or 
read of such language, nor did I know the meaning of 
})alf the words. I challenge any gentleman, and every 
gentleman who saw this letter, to say whether they ever 
saw a parallel even in the lowest and vilest brothel 
which I understand is the last grade of society; ana 
were it not for the benefit of mankind, and to warn them 
against these wicked priests, it was too bad even to hint 
at. "Oh, throw it in the fire, Mrs. R.," said Mr. Ro- 
berts, who brought it from the post-office. "Throw it 
in the fire," said another. "No, sir; it is the very 
thing I wanted — it is worth millions to my country. This 
is proof— this is fact — it speaks for itself. I shall make 
a better use of it — I shall lay it before the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania. I will show them how godly these Pres- 
byterians are making their women of Pittsburg and Car- 
lise, the head-quarters of these blue-stockings, as the 
people call them: the two Sodoms of Pennsylvania; the 
nurseries of infamy, pollution, and clerical despotism, un- 
paralleled in history." Well might Pennsylvania call 
me to her aid! It was time, truly! The Mayor of the 
city very innocently imformed me that he received num- 

*M6S8r«. Holdship, Eichbaum, and several others.— No blackcoats 
you may be sure. 



UTTSBUHG. 67 

bers of such letters. I believe him; he being a very 
handsome man, it is easily accounted for. 

But let me ask the citizens of Pittsburg if they can 
think of raising children amongst these vile deceivers? 
If they can be so besotted as to suffer society to become 
annihilated before their eyes, and by such people as 
could write such a letter as this, and endeavor to cloak 
their villainy by declaiming against theatres, and other 
places of innocent amusement ! ! I blush for such a people ! 
Freemen ! — Americans !^— Pennsylvanians ! — so lost to 
shame and every honorable principle!!! As for the wo- 
men, the godly ones I mean, they are too contemptible 
to notice: but I ask men of sense, what opinion they can 
have of Tracts and Sunday schools, and the whole abo- 
mination of the missionary frauds, upon so long and fair 
a trial — what opinion can they form of their effects upon 
society and morals, when a female, an aged female, in 
the very head-quarters of those religious tyrants, could 
not pass through their city without being beastly insult- 
ed by her own sex? What sort of wives and mothers 
would they make? That it was a tract- woman, or a blue- 
skin priest who wrote the letter 1 am constrained to be- 
lieve. Why? Because every one else received me with 
expressions of joy, as the friend of civil and religious 
liberty; and because these religious demons have always 
persecuted me with the savageness of a Nero. Is this 
what they profess? is this gospel? is this letter dictated 
by the gospel? was the attempt on my life, by Hecock, 
gospel? was the letter I received from Carlisle dictated 
by the gospel? ln^3tead of attempting to convert me, they 
seek n-.y life, insult me — publicly in the papers, private- 
ly by : fnulest slander. No othe'r sect do this. North, 
south. ., west, they all breathe the same spirit of slan- 
der and vengeance; which alone, if we had no other 
evidence, ought to open the eyes of the people. "Their 
eyes are open, we do see the evil, Mrs. R., but where is 
our remedy?" "It is in these words — exert your rights 
as freemen, and keep these robbers from your women — 
a man who will not do this is unworthy t^e name of an 
American." 



68 PITTSBURG. 

I have just learned that the proprietor of the stage-line . 
is one of these godly ones. These missionaries, with their 
holy Bible, are improving society fast: we will soon have 
no need of penitentiaries or state-prisons. If they make 
the heathen as pious as themselves, viz. steal, lie, get ; 
drunk, write scurrilous letters, and a thousand other 
crimes I have witnessed amongst them, they will deserve 
to enter the kingdom of *** *. 

But what I was aiming to demonstrate is 'the 'abject sla- 
very the people ave already reduced to; and the question 
is not whether theatres are proper, or the contrary; it is, 
^vhether freemen shall voluntarily surrender their liberty 
to the priesthood, or any other men; or whether they 
have the courage to be free. If tliese priests can coerce 
freemen in one thing, they can in every other; and pro- 
ceed inch by inch until our freedom is gone. What is it 
to these wicked priests what freemen do? I do not 
mean because they are priests they are wicked, but be- 
cause they, as priests, have power, which they exercise 
over weak minds; first over women, and through them 
over men. Any man possessed of absolute power will 
be a tyrant. Pittsburg and Carlisle are the strong holds 
of these blue-stockings in Pennsylvania: but their reign 
of terror is short. I understand there are a goodly num- 
ber of them in Harrisburg likewise. I shall pay my res- 
pects to them too; also, one or two other dens. 

There are, however, many liberal and enlightened 
men in Pittsburg, which I shall notice before I speak of 
the manufactories — they almost deter me from the at- 
tempt. The whole city,;as some writer justly observes, 
is a perfect work-shop; and the most remarkable fact in 
regard to the character of the society of Pittsburg, and 
one which excites astonishment and pleasure, is, that 
the mechanics and artificers are, by far, the most en- 
lightened part of the society! There is not a more honor- 
able, orderly, and well-behaved collection of men, doubt- 
less, to be found on the globe, of their calling. I was 
not prepared for this part of the history of Pittsburg, 
having never heard it mentioned by any writer — they ap- 
pear to form an exclusive society of gentlemen. But we 
will begin with the judges. 



PlTTSBUUe. 69 

His Honor, of the U. States' Court, Judge Wilkma^ 
I had the very great misfortune not to see; but stepping 
into the court-house, merely to see the interior of th« 
building, some person apprized the Hon. Judge Tilgh- 
ma», (if I do not mistake the name,) of the Supreme 
Court, of my presence: he instantly descended from the 
bench, (court being in session,) and received me with 
that politeness and respect which bespoke him a gentle- 
man of the first rank. The Associates remained on the 
bench. 

Judge T. had been familiar with my pursuits, and no 
cause being on trial, he sat down in a recess, and inviting 
myself and several gentlemen, Messrs. Forward and 
Baldwin to take a seat, we had a merry time of it, laugh- 
ing at the missionaries and blue-skin judge and lawyer, of 
New Haven, Connecticut, whom he knew, being from 
the Yankee country himself. He said they were drawn 
to the life in my Black Book. I was now in my glory^ — 
in company with three of the first men in the State, and 
all Yankees, though I scolded Mr. Baldwin for suffering 
the blue stockings to usurp such an unwarrantable autho- 
rity in the city. " Oh, Mrs. R.," said he, " I leave you 
to fight the missionaries, I have been cleaning out the 
tig" stable." Judge T. is a gentleman of young appear- 
ance, a tall, good figure, and highly accomplished. He 
is free and easy in his manner, and evidently a first rate 
man. I felt much indebted to him for the high marks of 
respect with which he honored me. 

Mr. Henry Baldwin is the darling of Pennsylvania and 
the pride of Pittsburg. He is about thirty-five years of 
age; a thin, light figure, of good height, round, delicate 
face, and sallow complexion; his eye is a keen, or rather 
sparkling, deep hazle, or what some would call black. 
His countenance would not indicate talents of the first 
rate, though he certainly does, very justly, rank among 
the first men of the State. But, of all men, he has the 
most pleasing countenance, and the most fascinating man- 
ners. He appears to most advantage when pleading. It 
is impossible to portray the winning smile which plays 
upon his countenance, while his head is elevated, and his 



70 PITTSBUHG. ' 

figure erect and manly; his voice is harmonious, and his 
actions pertinent and graceful; he is said to be an able 
statesman and of unshaken integrity; well may Pittsburg 
be proud of him: his talents are devoted to it, and have 
been for some years, while his generosity and good- 
ness of heart keep him in the back ground.* 

Walter Forward, Esq. is another Yankee, and second, 
if not equal to Mr. Baldwin at the bar, some do say he is 
superior. Mr. Forward is another man of towering tal- 
ents and a great pleader, he is a brother of Hon. Chaun- 
cey Forward, of Somerset, member of Congress, and a 
stout middle aged man, of fine appearance, his face is 
round and rather sallow, his eyes are full, dark, keen and 
intelligent, his countenance open and pleasing, his man- 
ners are manly though mild and alluring, and take him all 
in all, one of the most high spirited and noble looking men 
in Pittsburg. This gentleman, as well as Mr. Baldwin, 
seems to have lived for the world and not for themselves; 
both men of the first talents, legal knowledge and exten- 
sive practice; but from their excess of good nature and 
generosity, have been unable to lay up but little for them- 
selves. It appears they are amongst the few who have 
laid their treasure up in another and a better world. May 
they meet their reward"! 

Samuel Kingston, Esq. also of the bar, is of middling 
age and height, his visage round, thin and fair, with a fall 
lively grey eye; he is a perfect gentleman in his manners, 
and his counteaance peculiarly interesting: he is alike 
eminent at the bar. , 

Robert Burke, Esq. another member of the Pittsburg 
bar, is a tall slender genteel figure, with a thin face, and 
keen intelligent countenance; he is a very amiable man, 
free and genteel in his manners. 

Col. James M. Riddle, another of the corps. The con- 
duct of this gentleman towards his species and myself in 
particular, confirms what I have often said of the profes- 
sion, that they are the most generous class of professional 

*0n my way to Pittsburg, the people would say, "You will-see our 
idol Mr. B." 



PITTSBUUG. 'Jfl 

men in oiif country: though burdened with a large family 
and slender means, like the rest ot his brethren, he was 
almost the first man to patronise me in Pittsburg— such 
men are an honor to our country, and I deeply lament it 
IS not in my power to do more for them than enrol their 
names in the history of their country. It gives me, how- 
ever, much pleasure to perpetuate 'the name and virtues 
of J. M. Riddle. Mr. H. is a tall manly figure, very plain 
but very dignified, in his manners; he is rather of young 
appearance and austere countenance; he has been some 
time at the bar and ranks amongst the first lawyers. 

Ephriam Pentland, Esq. is likewise of the bar, and a 
very excellent man; he isof middling age and stout make, 
with an oval fair face and very aftable manners. 

Besides these, Messrs. W. W. Fetterman and Samuel 
Cormly, were all I saw of the bar, at least worth nam- 
iiig. 

Of the clergy, I saw but four. 

Rev. Uv. Bruce menlioneci; lie is pastor of the Seceder 
church, [ do noi know the teiients of the sect. 

Rev. John H. Hopkins, of the Protestant Episcopal 
cliurch, IS a perfect gentleman, and possessed of every 
personal and mental endowment, and quite a young look- 
ing man; he lives in the town of Alleghany, though his 
pliurch, if I remember, is in Pittsburg: his mansion oc- 
cupies one of tlie most charming spots in the vieinity, it 
is on the border of the town upon an eminence which 
overlo£!ks the Ohio, and from which he has a fine view of 
the numerous steamboats which are continually passing 
up and down the river. I was particularly struck with 
the politeness and hospitality of this gentleman, and for 
•his sake, I ihe more deplore the falling off of the sect; he 
is the principal of a private seminary for the tuition of 

young ladies, and forms a wide contrast to Rev. , 

principal of the mtu theological school. 

Being fatigued • from a long and tiresome walk to the ' 
Phcenix factory, Dr. Shoeriberger's, and on my feet the 
whole day, I became so weary, I was fit to drop, but 
could see no house I could venture to stop at, until I was 
at length attracted by an elegant building on my left, sup- 



72 PITTSBURG. 

posing it must be inhabited by some princely gentleman, 
upon whose hospitality I might venture to intrude a tew 
minutes to rest; I knocked at the dodiP, which was open 
when I drew up to it: a servant soon appeared, and I ask- 
ed, if the gentleman of the house was in, the servant an- 
swered, he was, and asked me to walk in. I stept merely 
in the front of the passage, and requesting to speak to the 
gentleman, remained standing: the gentleman, whose name 
and profession I knew nothing of at the time, came from 
a large parlor, and I announced my name, and mtended 
to have apologised in the next breath: Mrs. R. said the 
man, I want nothing to do with you, and darted back in- 
to the room; you must be one of the blue-fellows, thought 
I, and sought my weary way home. 

When relating the circumstance, I was told he was one 
of the blue-stockings sure enough, and was come to Pitts- 
burg to manufacture pious young men to spread the gos- 
pel, in the shape of a theological seminary. 

To say nothing of a thousand instances of the like case, 
this man is to educate men to spread the gospel; of course 
it is presumed he must know something of the gospel, 
doubtless he is in favor of tracts and missionary societies, 
hemusthave read his bible, some time or another, though 
1 doubt it; why did not this hypocrite ask me to sit down, 
and at least show as much hospitality as the heathen 
whom he is going to convert? Why did he not try to 
convert me? the vile deceiver: no, with worse than Turk- 
ish savageness, he wheeled off without showing even the 
sembance of civilization. Can the people of Pittsburg or 
any other burg, be gulled by such wild beasts? the wild 
beast could have done no more; when I reflect, it is well 
he did not break my other ancle. Can people expect this 
man capable of teaching any thing but barbarism (which 
they all evidently do,) and robbery. But this is latterly a 
good trade. What man of brains would send his son to 
such a brute? Had he been one of the laymen, bis con- 
duct was shameful in a christian city, and unequalled in a 
savage town. Let me ask any reasonable man in Pitts- 
burg, had 1 stept into the lowest mechanic's house, whe- 
ther he would not have invited me to sit down; and let me 



PITTSBURG. 73 

ask them, what they can think of a man who would not; 
can they think such a man knows any tiling of the gospel? 
He may know enough of the gospel, but he knows a great 
deal more of knavery. It is hoped, when the great strug- 
gle arrives (evidently a civil war,) the citizens of Pitts- 
burg may be the first to have their throats rur, for being 
such abominable fools as to suffer these firebrands of ssk 
tan to runaway with their sens*- s. If this man had the 
power he would make every street in Pittsburg run with 
blood; reports say he has a guillitine ready. 

The Rev. John Taylor, of Liberty-street, is an aged 
man, and one of the most amiable of the human family; 
disgusted with the abuse of the gospel, he has left off 
preaching, and despises this i eligious swindling and tyran- 
ny as much as I do; he told me, he was persecuted by 
them until he was almost heart-broken. The old gentle- 
man, hearing I had arrived in the city, attended by his 
frieiid Mr. Byrne, clambered up stairs to see me in the 
night soon after I arrived in the city. He welcomed me 
in the most cordial language, while tears stood in his 
meek eyes as he repeated his mental suffering. And after 
preaching for, I think, forty years, at length unable to 
stem the tide of this new-fangled scheme of spreading 
the gospel, he retired in disgust. He is an Episcopaiian, 
and if there be a christian in their ranks, I would take him 
to be the man — and notwithstanding their hollow profes- 
sions of speading the gospel, this aged man, because he 
will not come into their measures, is now struggling with 
poverty, is this religion.? Shame on the people of Pitts- 
burg. These are all I saw of the clergy. 

Whilst I am upon the subject, however, I must enter- 
tain my readers with an anecdote of Rev. , and 

the Osage mission, which comes in best at this place. 
It was related to me, and confirmed by some of the first 
people in Pittsburg About two years or so before my 
visit, a missionary came to Pittsburg to collect money 
and goods, and property of any sort, from a feather bed 
down to a horse-shoe, to convert the Osage Indians. The 
whole city was put in requisition: manufacturers, mer- 
cliants, mechanics, and private citizens, were ail callet! 
7— Voi. 11. 



74 PITTSBUUG. 

on to contribute something, and as much money as they 
pleased; enough at least to purchase a boat to carry the 
missionary, his women, and his property. The Rev. 

, of Pittsburg, went round with the missionary to 

every house. From some they got one thing, and from 
some, another, (they had better have given it to Rev. 
Taylor,) till the boat was so full, there was scarcely room 
for people to stand on the deck. It amounted to some 
thousand dollars. 

When about to leave the shore, Rev. ■• called 

to them to "stop, here is more." "The boat cannot take 
in another article — it is impossible, sir; she is too heavi- 
ly laden now," said the captain. " You must take in 
these barrels (or boxes)" " Can't, sir." " They must 
go," said the priest, and actually rolled them on board; 
and after sailing down the river a short distance, sold 
them for what they would fetch, and, pocketing the mo- 
ney, went on. But the cream is to come yet 

In the course of their calls, they stepped into a small 
grocery or grog-shop. The shop belongs to a very gen- 
erous, free-hearted, little Irishman, if I am not mistaken, 
by the name of Gallagher. But, no odds about the name, 
he is still keeping a shop in Pittsburg. The godly men 
say, "Well, sir, what will you contribute to the missioui*" 
"I am so poor, gentlemen, I am not able to assist you." 
"Oh, it you cannot give money, give a little of any thing 
you have." "I have nothing in the world, gentlemen, 
that would suit you, I suspect: I have nothing but these 
liquors, which you see here, and I don't expect they would 
sui' you." "Wh}, 1 d-on-'tk-no w but they m-ig-h-t," 
the holy man drolled out: — "let me see; the atmosphere 
is very damp on the river; I do-n-t k-n o-w, but a little 
spirit would be a preventive;" (oh the covetous wretch.) 
"Well, gentlemen, if I have any thing in my line, tfiat 
will suit you, you are welcome to it; make your choice; 
I have but little; but I do not wish to be backv^ ard " 
"Well, let us see what sort you have." The gentleman 

set out his decanters, bauds a gla.ss, and Mr. , 

(the missionary not being a judge, he said,) pours out a 
glass of brandy put it to his head, takes a sip, smacks 



PITTSBURG 75 

'1 ■ ' 

his lips, takes another sip, smacks his lips again, holds 
up the glass, looks at it between him and the light, turns 
to his companion and says, "This is very good; we'll take 
three or four gallons of this:" takes up a decanter of 
cherry-bounce, pours out a glass, takes a pull at that, 
smacks his lips at it, "Better than the first" He went 
on tasting the man's liquors in this way, and telling him 
how much to put up of each, till he came to the cordial, 
which is said to be a very luxurious, costly liquor: he 
took a pull, — smacked his iips twice or thrice, — took an- 
other, — smacked again, — takes a third: "Oh, this is ex- 
cellerit; puf us up ten gallons of this." 

In the course of their tour through the city, they call- 
ed on a blacksmith. The man was quite in low circum- 
stances: they looked round the shop to see what they 
could devour; but saw nothini? but a laige chain, called a 
lock chain. They coveted the chain at once, — were go- 
ing to a new country — and would be clearing, and hauling 
logs, and thought the chain, if he could spare it, would 
be excellent. The man urged his poverty, but they urg- 
ed the cause of God; and finally persuaded him out of 

the chain. After securing this, Rev. , casting 

round to see what else the shop contained, espied a horse- 
shoe lying at his feet, and picking it up, said he would 
like to have a pair of them: they vvould ii^ed horses, and 
of course, horses would need shoes. The man now grew 
displeased, said he owed money, and had already done 
his creditors injustice by giving them the chain; and their 
reverences walsed off. 

When 1 arrived in Pittsburg, Rev. , had a mortifi- 
cation in his arm, occasioned by a slight bruise in his 
hand, of which it is said he has since died: he was given 
up when I left Pittsburg. Some of tlve wicked people 
said if was a judgment uDon him, beint,' the same hand 
by which he tasted the poor man's brandy. 



7/> PITTSBUKG. 



PHYSICIANS. 

Out.of the 16 physicians, Pittsburg was said to contain, 
I saw but one,* Dr. Hannen f These gentlemen, there- 
fore, cannot charge me with neglect, as it was their place 
to ha e called on me, which is common, and such were 
my labors, that 1 had not leisure to call on them. 

On my way to Pittsburg, I met with a very genteel 
young man at Bedford: he was formerly of Philadelphia, 
but was then proprietor of a chair manutaclory, East 4th, 
near Main-street, Cincinnati, Ohio. He gave me the name 
of Dr. Hannen ofPittsburg: observing I would find the Dr. 
a gentleman, polite and hospitable, which, much to the 
credit of bo(:h, I found true; though I was but a minute 
in the Doctor's company. He is an amiable young inan, 
and keeps a drug store; the firm is "Hannen & Son, Mar- 
ket, between 5th and Liberty. Success to him; may he 
receive the patronage of the good and the generous. 

THE MAYOR 

Is deservedly reckoned one of the best men in Pitts- 
burg, or even in the state. His name is M. M. Murry, a 
descendent of the royal family of that naeie in Scollanti. 
He is stoutly made, of middle age, round face, fair, hand- 
some features, and soft, full blue eye; but his countenance 
is beyond the power of pen or pencil; and the same of bis 
manners — so mild, so winning and suasive. 

"Nature, too, has nobly done her part, 

Infused into his soul a noble grace, 

And blushed a modest blood into his face." 

This gentleman, the soul of hospitality and kindness, 
like all other good men, seems to have lived for the good 
©f mankind -t 

E J Roberts, Esq. Clerk of U. S. Court, and Clerk 
of Common Council. 

*I met with Dr. S. R. , who will be noticed hereafter- 

1:1 shall mention his lady under the head of 'Ladies.' 



PllTSBtiRG. 77 

Of this gentleman, I could never say enough. He 
took me ouf of tlie hands of the Phihstiues, and de- 
sired me (0 make his house my home. Leading me into 
his pai'ior, he delivered himself thus: "This is your par- 
lor, iniiiiam I give it up to you to entertain your friends 
as I )ng as you choose to remain in Pittsburg." This was 
god like, and gospel-like, and gentleman-like; and the 
niv)st noble ins'ance of hospitality I ever met with. Mr. 
Rohf'rts is likewise an attorney, and a son of the celebra- 
ted Judge Rooerts, so noted in his day, as one of the best 
oi' men 

Aldermen Scully and Lowrie are all I saw of the city 
authorities, besides the mayor. Mr S. is a most inter- 
esting man, stout, ;-nd young looking, witl^ fine, lull, 
bla>-k eye. Mr. Lowrie is a brother of Secretlfry Lowrie, 
of the U S Sf'naio, and a very ddF-rent looking man: he 
has nothing ot that malignity in his countenance, which 
distinguis; es his brofher. He is a low fair looking man. 
I toid Wi\\\ 1 should try to get him in his brother's place: 
— wonder how it would do: we could not be worsted. 

MERCHANTS. 

I wish to keep all classes separate, in Pittsburg; a gen- 
eral practice wiis me at all timt'S, to treat of every class, 
sej'arately, but more particularly in this place, as being the 
tiiVit visit to Pittsburg; reserving the manufactories to the 
la^t. 

My time was so much taken up in viewing the manu- 
iactories, that 1 saw very tew of the merchants; and more 
particularly as they are a class ol men who care little 
about literature 

I lind they are mostly narrow-minded and penurious, 
unless you happen to come across a real gentleman, which 
sonn^times happens. 

in Pittsburg. I found Messrs. McCleery and King, 
wholesale mevcha-ts, in Wood Street, near the Monon- 
gahfla. These ure men ot high respectability, and are 
ex.eiisivelv engaged in trade. I did not see Mr Kmt'-; 

iul Mr. McCleeiy is a very aimabij3 and inteUigent man, 

*7 



78 PITTSBURG. 

and lacks nothing of the complete gentleman. He, be- 
ing a foe to priestcraft and tracts, we agreed well in sen- 
timents: of course laughed enough at the Dismals, Mr. 
Mc. is a good figure, young, with a full black eye, and 
possessed of much ease of manner. 

Mr. George Paris (if I am not mistaken in the name) 
is on of the,most amiable of his species — mild,unatiect- 
ed, and winning in his manners, and the very milk of hu- 
man kindness. This gentleman is of Ireland, and I would 
suppose he left few equals behind him. The graces and 
every intellectual charm beams in his fine, open counte- 
nance, and his actions correspond with his looks. He 
keeps in Market Street. 

N. Swart^Esq. (I think) a merchant, is also respecta- 
ble and a g^leman. He is of young appearance, with 
a very engaging aspect, and fine, iively, black eye. 

Samuel Pettegrew, Esq. (calling unknown) is alike en- 
titled to an honorable place in the history of this coun- 
try. I do not know his profession, but I recollect the 
man perfectly to be highly deserving and agreeable in his 
manners. 

I was equally pleased with Alexander Johnston, cash- 
ier of the Pittsburg bank, a tall, noble, stout figure, and 
very accomplished. He, with those I have mentioned, as 
gentlemen, nxe men of extensive learning and talents, and 
of course, do not approve of tracts and missionaries, and 
yet they are so over-awed by these tyrants, tliat they dare 
not speak above their breath, shame on them, and let those 
ignorant raw fellows monopolize all the women, and the 
iigliest long faces in the world. 

I overlooked Wm. Snowden, Esq. a member of the 
Pittsburg bar, he is a very worthy man, and much res- 
pected. Mr. S. is a tall fine figure, good countenance, 
with a large bright blue eye and affable manners. 

Mr. Isaac Mwphy, likewise an attorney, is very res- 
pectable. 

Amongst the other gentlemen worthy of remark, I have 
to notice Messrs. Wm. Caern, (if I do not mistake the 
name,) Byrne and Smith. I do not know the pursuit of 
Mr. C. bat he is a very gentlemanly man; Mr. John* 



flTTSBURG. 79 

Bryne, an Irish gentleman, and once a man of indepen- 
dence, is among St the most intellig^ent and shrewd men in 
Pittsburg, and though struggling with adverse fortune, 
has a fine flow of spirits and is an excellent companion, 
I met with no man of more wit and pleasantry than Mr. 
B., he has spent much of his time since he arrived in 
America, in Boston, from which cause, and the hospitali- 
ty of his nation, his marmers are noble, frank and gener- 
ouh: I am under deep obligations to this gentleman and his 
enlightened family. He supports his family by manufac- 
turing umbrellas, in 3d street, between Market and Wood, 
and though advanced in years and in delicate health, he is 
cheerful and gay, I hope he may receive the patronage 
he richly merits. Wm. T. Smith, is a white smith near 
Bakewell's glassworks, he and Mrs. S. (of whom I shall 
speak hereafter,) are of Scotland. This is the gentleman 
who manfully repulsed the Hog-mob students of theuniver- 
sity, which alone ought to immortalize his name, he has 
the best educated and interesting family of children, with 
the exception of Mrs. Collins, I met with in Pittsburg, 
those children are hardly exceeded by any in the United 
States: nor did I ever meet w^ith youths more amiable or 
possessed of a higher sense of honor. Mr. Smith, is 
himself, exemplary and a perfect gentleman. These 
youdis and a few other young gentleman, have a small 
theatre, where they perform for their amusement and in- 
struction, and notwithstanding their limited means, (mere 
children,) and want of patronage, it is astonishing 
to see them perform— I was present at the performance 
of George Barnwell, in which these youths acquitted 
themselves to a degree, little inferior to the performers in 
New York— one of the children, about thirteen years of 
age, is a natural genius and paints the scenes himself for 
his little theatre. 

These exemplary youths, as their parents informed me, 
have improved from the example of the parents alone' 
neither having ever exercised any authority or coertion 
towards them, more than over the child they never saw. 
It is shameful that the libeial pan of the citizens of Pitts- 
burg do not at least aid these youths— an honor to theil- 



80 PITTSBURG. 

eity, in, at least, furnishing them with a lara:er roora; as 
the ,)r-scnt one is tuo small, even tor children 

The more I see of this civilized pan ol' the world, ihe 
more I am convinc-d that tiie priesUiood, so iar iVooi be- 
in,^ a benefit, are a i^reat enemy to the progress of society; 
and tiiat there is no reai liberty where lliey have any 
influence. Now here are ten tliousaud people -vho are 
kept in awe and bondage by three or tour tyrants,* the 
most abOmmable monster* oi' wickedness in the city. 

I'his proves the ig7iorance of the people. Why are 
the people ignorant? j he increase of these priests, who 
keep learning down Witness the hog mob scliolars of 
the University — the letter 1 received here, and the letter 
I received trom Cai lisie, &c. &c. and many other i)lack 
deeds of theirs, which I shall bring to light i)efore 1 have 
done; though not equal to breaking a female's singif iimb 
in three pn ces, yet enough to prove that none but fools 
or ignoramuses would believe they were s[)read!iig any 
gospel but that ol nonsense. Yuu never hear the; ihea- 
atre attacked but by these monsters, who want the mo- 
ney themselves for spreading tire and sword, a;? it ap- 
pears, instead of the gospel. Give them no moi^ey and 
see what uould be the consequence.-* bigotry, hyjiocrisy, 
and prejudice would soon disapjiear. Nothing flies faster 
than prejudice and deceit hfiihrtjacts. I hope the peo- 
ple of Fittsnurg will no longer be bound by the galling 
©hams of these deceivers. 

But my greatest lavorite is Mr. Eichbaiim, the post- 
master: an Israelite in wnoiu there is no guile; a man of 
princely viitues, and beloved by ail who has vhe pleasure 
of his acquaimance. Mr. E. is a pattern of every thing 
amiable in tue human character. Nature ha« dealt boun- 
tifully with hnn, and he has improved the blessing she 
has lavished upon him beyond her fondest de;;igns. With- 
out parade, without prof' ssions, devoid of pride, he is 
at once a philosophr.r and pKilanihropist — intelligent, hu- 
mane, and mildness its' If. He is the mos! enviable man 
I know. I would certainly, had S a vole in '.he business, 
rott for him to succeed tne Postmaster General. Mr. 



T 



*This was the case in the dark ages; so we are going back. 



PITTSBURG. 81 

E. is a stout, fine figure, of young appearance, with a dark 
complexion, and a countenance of unrivalled sweetness. 

EDITORS. 

There are four papers, (hesides weekly and religious, 
of which I know not the nunnljer,) published in Pitts- 
burg; all liberal but one — Mr. ^cLean, a blue stocking, 
and his countenance bespeaks hiin what he is, thoujfh lie 
is not devoid of talent. When I received the infasoous 
letter, before mentioned, every editor in the eity resent- 
ed it in the most indignant and pomted terms except Mr. 
McLean; this shows his religion: and that he approved 
of it there is little doubt. All their conduct corresponds.* 
Why did not this hypocrite come out like a man, as thfe 
other editors did; His paper is the Gazette — it was for 
Mr. Adams. Mr. Butler al^o publishes an Adams paper. 
I do not remember ihe name of the paper; but I shall 
never forget the man — one of the most amiable men in 
the world. As a man, as a christian, as an editor or a 
gentleman, he has few equals. So mild, so easy, so affa- 
ble — the milk and honey of human kindness. Mr. B.liT 
quite a young man, tall, slender, and dark-visaged, with 
a countenance of ineffable sweetness. 

Mr. Andrews^ and a young gentleman whom I used to 
know in New York, was the first to announce me, which 
gave great offence to the blue-skins: "Let envy alone.** 
This was the occasion of the missionary letter — a very 
good thing — give them plenty of rope. Mr. Andrews is a 
young gentleman of talents, and very promising. I'iie 
bold and spirited manner in which he resented the infa- 
mous letter, proves him, by no means, deficient either in 
the knowledge of our civil and religious rights, or the 
independence to assert them. I fancy the blue stockings 
Will long remember Mr. Andrews. Mr. Butler also re- 
sented it in a very handsome and spirited style. 

*1 understand Miss Wright gets a number of these letters. I Sup- 
pose this is the way they convert the heathen — what abominable 
brutes. The pictures in my letters are, doubless, well calculated to 
convert the heathen to their wishes, who oMiiuot read. I would not 
tie surprised at all to see the people rise and tear down all their dens. 



S2 PITTSBURG. 

The great offence of Mr. Andrews, I presume was, 
(as he was mentioned in the letter,) because he publish- 
my Carlisle letter. Mr. A. publishes the Commonwealth, 
and went for Gen. Jackson. 

Mr. John M. Snowdon, also for Gen. Jackson, is an- 
other yi/ung man, and alike independent. He published, 
the Carlisle letter also; and ihe blue-skins got it on all 
sides. They do not care, however — I mean the long- 
headed church and state people — so they get the money. 
Those in Pittsburg are only hirelings — catspaws — mere 
toolsj and were they pelted nine times a day with rotten 
eggs, such is their meanness and servility, they would 
submit to it, at least the hen-pecked ones; tnd that in- 
cludes the whole Mr. S. is quite promising, and if 
properly encouraged, will make one of our most useful 
men. Here we are robbed of the most solid enjoyments 
by our ignorance. Millions of dollars go to — where? I 
should like to know. It would be as meritorious to go 
and seize it, as to seize the spoils of any other enemy; 
and I am much mistaken if it be not done before a hun- 
dred years. But if this money was given to encourage 
■genius, and instruct the heathen of our streets, which is 
the same thing, a hundred to one, perhaps a thousand, 
would then take a newspaper who are now siruggiing 
for bread, or unable to read. All the evil and distress of 
the lower order of our citizens arise from the same cause, 
and may be traced to the same source Genius hangs 
her head; the arts neglected; churches defiled; col- 
leges turned into missionary dens; old age insulted — 
nothing thrives but tracts, Sunday-schools, &c. &c. 

Mr. McFarland puhlishes another liberal paper He 
is a genteel, well informed man, quite young, and was 
said to edit the paper in the absence ot his father, then 
on the Legislature, or some where. There was a small 
weekly paper publi;-ihe<i by a Unitarian: neither he nor 
his paper was worth one cent — he being afraid to say 
his lite was his own. I believe, it is true triat women hate 
covvards. This man calling in to see me in a book-siore, 
told nv he was a real Yankee— (rom Boston. ''Then 
you must be a Unitarian," I replied; '* yes," said he, 



PITTSDURC. 83 

whispering in my ear— the sheep. No wonder the black 
coats take the women from such men! I guessed there 
must be some of the godly ones about the store, it being 
crowded, and. seizing the opportunity, soon lectured the 
whole of them, Unitarians and all, out of the store. 
^ But more facts from the Spectator, a religious paper. 
I his- IS proof equal to the letter, and shows the march of 
intellect. Milhons are thrown away on the macrh of this 
sort of intellect. 

Extract— iJ^rom Uhe Spectatator: Pittsburg' December 
lUh, lb28. 

JOSEPH AND HIS MOTHER. 

Joseph. When does church break up for the winter? 

Mother. What does the child mean.? 

/. Why, our Superintendent told us last Sabbath, 
thai the school would soon break up for the winter. 

M. Well, is that any reason why there should be no 
church? 

/. If it is too cold to go to Sabbath school, I think it 
IS too cold to go to church. 

M. Well never mind now, learn your grammar les- 
son for to-morrow. 

J. I think, mother it will rain to-morrow, for it does 
not look much like clearing, and then I shall not ffo to 
school. ° 

M. But you will go to school, my boy, if it does rain; 
with your thick shoes and warm winter coat, there is 
nothing to hinder you. 

But enough, it is too sickening. This is the spread of 
the gospel; these are the people who wrote the letter 
these are the people who say to freemen " You shall not 
build a theatre." Does- this not prove the march of the 
intellect.? 

It appears, hawever, that intellect is going to march 
tdwards the Rocky Mountains; and these Mr. Missiona- 
ries have already seized on the richest and fairest nart 
01 our country; and as the people are not in the wa^ of 



54, PITTSBiniG. 

seeing all the marches of these traitors, F shall march the 
plan into my book, where every one will see it; and if 
the citizens of the United States will give these tellows 
money and boats and goods, and then let them march off 
TT-ith the women, (they never attempt to go without a 
score of women,) and take possession of the cream of our 
country, it is time for us to prepare for the yoke truly, 
or gilt on our knapsacks and set off for Africa. Here 
follows the scl.eme, of which they must have as many as 
they hare members: 

From the Spectator^ same date. 
AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY. 

JippaiwtmeM of a General Jigent for tU Valley of the 

Mississippi. 

This great Valley, extending from the Allegheny to 
the Rocky Mountains, and from the Culf of Mexico to 
the Northern Lakes, embraces a territory very fertile, 
capable of conlaining a dense population, and larger in 
extent than all the remaining territory under the jurisdic- 
tion of the United States. In 1790, the actual civilized 
population existing within these boundaries was less than 
150,000; it now exceeds 4,000,000, and, according to 
the best calculation that can be made, it will be, in the 
year 1850 nearly or quite 13,000,000; will exceed the 
whole remaining population of our country; and will be 
entitled to a predominant iafluence in our national coun- 
cils. Many a child, who reads these lines, may see the 
day when the Valley of the Mississippi will embrace one 
of the most populous and powerful laations in Christen- 
dom. There is a majesty and solemnity in this march of 
population, which ought deeply to affect the mind, and 
to be taken most seriously into the account in our plans 
of usefulness The spiritual welfare of 4.000,000 of 
souls is an object that might well command the resources 
6f 'he world; but when we are to consult, not only for 
them, but f0r their children an«l children's children; and 



riTTSBUllfe.. 8fi 

when in a tew years they are to increase from 4,000,000 
to 8,000,000; and then to 12,000,000; 20,000,000, and 
onvvaid: tfie importance of supplying them with the 
gospel, outweighs ail human estimation. 

I We know there are now some flourishing churches in 
the Valiey of ihe Mississippi, and that they embrace many 
active Christians who are laboring for the cause of Christ; 
but, at, the same time, we are assured that tlje popula- 
tion, taken as a whole, is very partially supplied with 
the institutions of reii^Mon; that infidelity and vice are, 
in many parts, alarmingly prevalent; and that there is a 
powe:ful and prevailing tendency to that moral deterio- 
ration, which threatens the destruction of all civil and 
tempoial blessings, and exposes the soul to all the mise- 
ries of the second death. And if ever the voice of Pro- 
vidence indicated to anyone people the duty of confer- 
ring spiritual blessings on any other, we believe it now 
directs this portion of our country to send the blessings 
of Divine truth to the destitute beyond the mountains. 
Our happiness and prosperity are most deeply involved: 
we are identified with them as a nation; they are not 
only our neighbors, but many of them are our children, 
and kindred and friends. Evangelical Christians, scat- 
tered thioughout the territory, are ready to second our 
efforts; we have no national prejudices to encounter; no 
new languages to learn> and, probably, on no other spot 
on the earth, is there piomise that the same amount of 
effort will be attended with so great success. 

The duty of immediately sending the gospel to the 
destitute in that interesting portion of our country, is 
now, we believe, almost universally acknowledged; and 
the consideration has pressed with great weight upon the 
minds of the Committee of the American Tract Society, 
that, while there are not qualified preachers of the gospel 
in existence to supply their wants, tracts can, without de- 
lay, be printed and sent to every family. The Commit- 
tee have felt that, bearing in some degree the responsi- 
bility of conducting the Trad operations of the country, 
they must not slumber an hour over this subject; but en- 
tet immediately on the work. And in this view, they 
8— Vol. 11. 



86 PITTSBURG. 

have commissioned and sent ibrth the Rev, Oran East- 
man, who has been three years engaged in faithful labors 
for the Tract cause, as a Gpneral Agent of the Society 
fcr the Valley of the Mississippi, and have appointed 
three other faithful men to labor in connexion with him. 
Rev Mr. Eastman,, in company with Mi Charles Put- 
nam, left the city of New York on the Hth November, 
for this Siervice, expecting to meet the two other Agents 
apt 'ointed, after his arrival beyond the mountains. 

Their object will be to form Auxiliary I'ract Associa- 
tions in every town and village, and neighborhood around; 
till, if possible, one or more tracts, " directing the sin- 
ner to the Saviour," shall be placed in every family. All 
who can be induced to associate themselves with these 
Auxiliaries, will be supplied with tracts at the cost pri- 
ces: to all who have not the ability to pay for them, or, 
who knowing not their value, and caiing not for their 
soul's salvation; will do notJiing tti supply themselves, it 
will be felt a duty to carry tracts and deliver them, as 
God's message, "without money and without price." 

The Committee now look to the christian public to 
sustain them in this important measure. It will require 
great personal effort on the part of all christians scatter- 
ed thioughout the Valley of the Mississippi; and hberal 
pecunia'-y contributions from the friends of the cause in 
every portion of the country. These agents must be 
sustained, and their number probably be soon increased; 
and tracts must be furnished for the supply of all the 
Auxiliaries formed, and for all the gratuiious distribu- 
tions to the destitute. If there are 4,000,000 in the Val- 
.ley of the Mississippi, and each family contains seven 
individuals, the expense of sending two tracts of the usual 
size to each family, will exceed $11,400. But far more 
than this must be done every year, or the provision made 
by Tracts, for the spiritual wants of that population, will 
be small indeed. 

The Committee have felt that God called them to en- 
ter upon, and faithfully to prosecute this work, notwith- 
istaitding the Socieiy's very limited pecuniary means. 
We hope the object will be remembered by christians in 



PITTSBURG. 87 

their prayers, especially on the first Monday in every 
month; for, with the blessing of God, we believe it will 
appear in the day of judgment, to have been among the 
very important movements of the Christian Church. 

Sm. Tract Magazine. 

It appears it is God's message to deliver tracts. Do 
they find tracts in the Scriptures? This piece needs no 
comment. I hope it may open the peoples' eyes. 

LADIES. 

There are few in Pittsburg of accomplished and liber- 
al manners: the mass of the females being under the con- 
trol ofjtie religious societies. I saw but few enlightened 
females: but those I was so happy to see were inferior 
to no ladies in the United States for pleasing manners and 
<Jouversation, and some of them very beautiful; and 
would be more so but for the smoke, which gives a tinge 
to the skin difficult tp remove. They are very easy and 
familiar, and some of them have fine features. 

Mrs. Hollingsworth, the sister of the Mayor, Mr. Mur- 
ray, appears to be of the old school. She has all the 
nobility of her family in her appearance and deportment, 
which is stately, but affable and condescending. Sbe is 
a female of splendid mind, and a great political stateswo- 
man. There I lost her, as I am ignorant of both. But 
we agreed to a Ton tracts, and the christian duties, viz: 
do all the good we can, and do no harm. Upon this point 
all people of sense agree. She is a Unitarian; so, also, 
is the Mayor, and maiiy of the first people of Pittsburg. 
Mrs. H. is a stou! figure, and must have shone in her 
younger days. She is one of the most pleasant women in 
Pittsburg; but, like her amiable brother, she is at odds 
with formne, I never saw but one man who pleased me 
.in every thing, who could be called wealthy. I mean, as 
.€very one may guess, the amiable Stephen Van Rensel- 
laer, member of Congress. 

Mrs. Rohetts, my kind hostess, also a Unitarian, is a 
small female of great beauty and accomplishments, and^ 



88 PITTS BU KG. 

one of the most affable women in Pittsburg. Her mari- 
ners;, as well as her countenance, have an uncommon 
chaim and sweetness. Her father, I think, as well as 
hei self, were natives of England. He, if I do not mis- 
lake, was a Unitarian preacher. Miss Campbell, of the 
seminary, 1= her sister, and her partner is the sister of 
Mr. Roberts. Both are young, accomplished, and very 
handsome. Miss Parry I have mentioned. 

Mrs. Collins^ a widow lady of considerable wealth, is, 
doubtless, one of the first females in Pennsylvania, on 
every account. She lives a private life upon her income, 
and devotes her time to the education of her children, 
some of whom are married. One, a most fascinating fe- 
male, Mrs. Duncan, was on a visit to her mothers's when 
I called. She had two other beautiful unmarried daugh- 
ters, one of which was not grown, and both were highly 
accomplished. They were the finest and most interest- 
ing females I saw in Pittsburg, or in any part of the 
State. It was Mrs. C. who was alarmed by the robber 
on Sideling hill. Mrs. C. is certainly entitled to the 
highest praise for the pains she has taken in the educa- 
tion of her daughters. Mrs. Anchutz and. her daughter 
were, also, amongst the firSt females in Pittsburg. 

But, of all women, I was most struck by the uncom- 
mon good sense and intelligence of Mrs. Smith, whose 
children and husband has been mentioned. This lady, 
as well as her husband, is of Scotland— she is a woman 
of sterling worth, and highly esteemed in her calling, 
and though not in affluent circumstances, is the idol of all 
parties in Pittsburg, and lives independent, she is the most 
courteous and weil-bred foreigner or perhaps native, I 
have met in the Atlantic country: she is not handsome, 
but her coidiality and politeness render her charming. It 
is seldom now-a-days we meet with a woman worthy of 
notice, so that too much cannot be said in her praise. 

Mrs. Rev. Bruce, of the royal family of that name in 
Scotland, has been noticed, she is herselfa native of Nevir 
York, and a very beautiful woman, she did inform me of 
her family, one of the first in N. York, but 1 have forgotten 
it. There may have been many other deserving females 



PITTSBUlta. 8^ 

in Pittsburg but I was too much engaged to call on theiTi) 
and chough several called upon me, I was mostly out. 

MANUFACTURES. 

I am now come to the most difficult, but by far the 
most interesting portion of my description of Pittsburg, 
aii.d without which, the city would have little weight. — 
This is its trade and manufactures, in which last, it ex- 
cels any city in the union, either in the quantity, excel- 
lence, or variety of the articles: every article manufac- 
tured out of iron, copper, brass, tin, .leather or wood, is 
made in Pittsburg, in a superior style; besides glass, dc!f, 
pottery and paper, they manutacfure sheeting, shirring, 
coverlids, carpets, cloths, cassinets, plaids, checks, &c. 
But what distinguishes Pittsburg from every other part 
o{ the union, is the fame she has acquired from her steam 
engine founderies. 

Another distinguished trait in the character of Pitts- 
burg, is the poliie, chaste and gentlemanly deportinent 
of her workmen and mechanics, whiph joined to their 
skill, sobriety and industry, surpass any set of mechan- 
ics in America, or perhaps in the world!! they as a body, 
are the only gp.iiilemen in the city. 

in all the manufacturing establishments I have visited 
.in the United States, I uever laded to tind the mechanics 
more* or less d^^praved — even in New-Euglaitd you too 
oiten find the workmen, and very oftentbe principals, vi- 
cious, idle and impertinent, and a total want of respect 
to strangers — not so in Pittsburg. I spent thirteen days 
in the manufacturing houses and founderies in this city, 
wheie, but in livree case's, [ found none but mechanics, 
and never saw nor heard the most distant indelica e look 
or word amongst tlie whole of them; on the contrary I 
Was Ireatod with marked and gentlensan-like respect — I 
was more astonished at this tliau any thhig in this wonder- 
working city — why Pittsburg should differ so widely in 
this respect from all other manufacturing towns, I am un- 
qualified to say, but it is 3 well known fact, that bo;h in 
ihis country and Europe, 1 am told, those mauuiacturing 



*9(> PITTSBURG* 

houses, exhibit a most lamentable picture of low vicious 
manners. During the whole of my visit to these manu- 
factories, I never saw an instance of intoxication orjhe 
smallest indication of drinking — whether this highly hon- 
orable trait in the mechanics of Pittsburg, has been no- 
ticed by other travellers or not, 1 am unable to say, but it 
was the first thing that struck me w^ith, not only surprise, 
but pleasure; the workmen, were almost as black through- 
out, as the coal of their pits, but this disguise could not 
conceal the noble mein, the chaste smile, and manly de- 
portment for which they are unequalled. Had they been 
looking for me, I should have thought their manners assum- 
ed, but to recur to my own maxim, no one can effect what 
they do no*t possess, least of all, politeness. But nothing 
was farther from them than the thought of receiving a 
visit from a female, and though sometimes accompanied, 
I mostly stole a march upon them, much the best course 
for those who aim to give accurate descriptions. 

Upon the whole, I am convinced that the most, if not 
all the travellers who have visited this Birmingham, as it 
is called, have never paid that observation indispensable, 
from want of industry and candor in this respect, very 
few travellers of late attach any merit to their writings; 
•'it is the remark of a traveller," I have often observed, so 
it is with all travellers who have noticed Pittsburg, they 
merely call perhaps, at Bakewell's glass-house and jum- 
ble a few miscellaneous commutucations obtained from 
the citizens, and without seeing the mechanics or perhaps 
a single machine, patch up a book; this was the case with 
the duke of Saxeweimer, the last traveller from whom 
great thinj^s were anticipated.* 

This being understood, a visit from any traveller, much 
less a female, wasdouhtless, the last thing these men were 
thinking of, and .such was my curiosity to see these far- 
famed founderies and workshops, that without consulting 
a triend, 1 popped into one the next day of my visit, it 



*In justice to the duke, his remarks upon the Bible in the hands of 
the convicts in the new prison of Philadelphia, are unanswerably 
greati 



PITTSBURG. 91 

being understood that these aianufactories are profusely 
scattered throughout the city, aud being uiuch dclighied 
with the good order, stillness, and innocent manners of the 
workmen, I pursued the business unceasingly, which, as 
I have remarked, took up thirteen days — but not finding 
the proprietors in the shops, or any one who could give 
me an accurate account ol capital, hands employed, or 
quantity manufactured, I am sorry to say, after bestow- 
hig so much labor, the article on Pitisburg, is by no 
meaiis so clear and satisfactory as I could have wished. 
This is ro fault of mine, as I applied to almost every in- 
telligent man in Pittsburg, for information but failed; if 
the work be imperfect therefore, they have no one to 
blame but themselves; [ have again applied to the pro- 
pria tors through the mail, and should the necessary in- 
formation arrive, it will be cheerfully inserted in the 
blanks lef? for the purpose. In some instances, 1 did re- 
ceive the full Jtmount, which will go to prove the im- 
mense weight of labor, industry, skill, and natural facul- 
ties of Pittsburg, which is one entire workshop, as some 
judicious traveller heretofore remarked. 

The fabrication of iron, being one of the most import- 
ant branches of the manufactures, and being one of the 
great staple commodities of the country, we shall tirst 
notice those establishments, in and about Pittsburg, wlier© 
it is made. 

SLIGO ROLLING MILL. 

r This establishment is situated on the south side of the 
Monongahela river, immediately opposite the mouth of 
Mark-street, and is ©wned by Messrs. Robert T. Stew- 
art and John Lyon. It was erected in 1825. Sligo mill 
may be considered as a branch of those extensive iron- 
works which the proprietors ovvh on the Juniata, as ail the 
iron they make use of, is brought from there in a state 
partly manufactured, that is, in large blocks called blooms, 
whicii do not require the process of puddling, but are 
immediately iit for roiling. The consumption of blooms 
«t»thc Sligo mill , is about 1 400 tons annually. The engin6 



^% PITTSBUIIC5. 

is one of the most powerful in or about Pittsburg, being 
130 horse power, was built by Mark Stackhouse; some 
idea may be formed of the strength and immensity of the 
various machinery, when we say that their weight is 120 
tons,. Fifty hands are employed daily in the different de- 
partments, and the consumption of coal per annum is 
about 14000 bushels. The value of bar, boiler, nail and 
sheet iron, &c. manufactured per year, is 15000 dol- 
lars. 

The Pittsburg iron made at Sligo mill is not surpassed 
■by any m the United Slates. 

A short time since an order was sent to Mr. Stewart 
from the National works at Harper's ferry, for a load of 
Sligo iron, to be converted into musket barrels. 

JUNIATA IRON WORKS, 

Situated on the Allegheny river, in the Northern Liber- 
ties; is owned by Dr Peter Shocnberger. They were 
erected in 1824, and may also be considered as a distant 
branch of the extensive forges of the pro|irietor on the 
waters of the Juniata. The establishment here is a very 
extensive one, embracing a large lot of land, with large 
and convenient frame and brick buiidmgs. The machi- 
nery of the works is of the very best and most sub- 
sta.iiial kind, and in its location, })resents great economy 
and regularity. Tiie whole was put up under ih ■ super- 
intendance of M. B. Bcikntp, esq. who as an engineer 
and ingenious mechanic, has (ew equals in the western 
country. The engine is of 120 horse power, and was built 
by Mr. Mathew Smith, now of the firm of Binney and 
Suiith. 

One thousand tons of blooms are manufactured here 
annually, into every article manufactured from iron. It 
contains six nail machines, and makes six tons of nails, 
per week. The proprietor contemplates extehdipg the 
nail factories to sixteen, eighty hands are now employed. 

This is the first great manufactory I was ever in, and 

, h&d 1 not been prepared for the sight and noise by sefirig 

•thers upon a less scale, I should have thought it was the 



PITTSBUJIG. .98 

shop of Vulcan, forging hie thunderbolts in his subterran- 
eous abode. The redness of the towering flames, the 
amfjzing dimensions of the wheels, the volumes of rolling 
smoke, and the thunder of the huge hammers, and squeak- 
ing of the nail machines, fairly turned my head — no lan- 
guage can describe the rapidity with which these naiis 
are made, they drop from the machine in one unremitting 
shower. 

Dr. Shoenberger's iron has long since been established. 
The competent knowledge which Dr. S. possesses as it 
regards the fabrication of iron, and the assiduous person- 
al attention which he continually pays to the various de- 
partments of his concern, will always sustain the goqd 
fame of "<SAocw6er^er's IronJ'"' 

grant's hill iron works, 

Owned by Messrs. William H. Hays and David Ad- 
ams, was erected in 1821. The machinery is put in ope- 
ration by a steam engine of eighty horse power, built by 
the Columbian Steam Engine Company. Thirty hands are 
daily employed. There has been manufa'^tured within 
the last year, into bar, boiler, nail and hoop iron, rods. 
&c. 800 tons of pig metal, and 400 tons of blooms. I'he 
yearly consumption of coal is 90000 bushels, and the 
total value of iron made, during the past year, was 80,000 
dollars. 

UNION ROLI^ING MILL, 

Situated on the eastern boundary of the city, in Kensing- 
ton, and owned by Messrs. Baldwin, Robinson, and 
M'Nickle. This is the largest and most extensive esta- 
blishment of the kind in the western country. The ma- 
chinery is driven by two engines of one hundred horse 
power each, which were built by the Columbian Steam 
Engine Company in the year 1819, and the weight of 
castings and wrought iron required in their construction 
is immense, being 500,000 pounds The quantity of metal 
converted annually intobar, sheet and boiler iron, &.c. waft 



i 



94 PITTSBURG. 

about 1500 tons, which upon an average is worth 100 dol- 
lars per ton, making the total value of their manufacture 
about 150,000 dollars. Attached to the mill, is an exten. 
sive nail factory, where 6| tons of iron, are weekly con- 
verted into nails of all sizes. Of this, however, we shall 
^peak in another place. The whole number of hands em- 
ployed is 100, and the consumption of coal per annum, 
182000 bushels.— Capital |100,000!! 

DOWLAIS IRON WORKS. 

In Kensington," erected in 1 825, by Mr. Lewis. Has 
an engine of 100 horse power, and manufactures bar iron 
from pig. It is capable of making about ^00 tons of iron 
per year. 

PITTSBURG ROLLING MILL, 

Corner of Penn-street and Cecil's alley, owned by R. 
Bowen. Has an engine of 120 horse power, built by the 
Columbian Steam Engine Company, which drives one 
pair of rollers and slitters and 10 nail machines In this 
mill there is no other than bar iron made use of. From 
the blooms, three tons per day is reduced to rods, sheat, 
&c. The nail machines make If tons per day, assorted 
nails, besides hoops and sheet. Capital 40,000 dollars. 
Raw stock manufactured per week 2000 — tightj hands 
are employed. Mr. R Bowen was for a long time a com- 
mon sailor. 

In this factory, I for the first time saw the mammoth 
hammer and rolling wheels, and the hoops (for barrels,) 
and sheet iron, i unning round upon the rollers in red rib- 
bons with the rapidily of lightning. Blit U is vain to at- 
tempt a description of the steady attention and close ap- 
plication of the hands, continually engaged, you never 
heara word uttered, every one to his business. People 
ought to go to Pittsburg to learn industry — put a lazy 
litiavi into one of these rolling mills, and it is like putting a 
ooward on board a ship of war. 



PITTSBURG. 



PINE CREEK ROLLING MILL, &C. 

Owned by Elkins and Ludlow, situate on Pine creek, 
a few miies above Pittsburg. Has an engine ol 100 horse 
power, which is employed in rolling bar iron into boiler, 
sheet, and nail iron, rods, &c. At this establishment both 
steam and water power are employed, and tbe manufac- 
ture of axes, scythes, sickles, shovels, &c. it is carried on 
to great extent: about 40 hands are enipioyed, and about 
600 tons of bar iron made use of annually. 

AIR FOUNDERIES. 

There are few aware of the immense business that has 
been done, and is now doing in these establij^hnients. — 
There are no less than eight of them in full operation. 

THE PITTSBURG FOUNDERY 

Was erected as early as the year 1804, by Mr. Josepli 
M'Clurg, and was the first establishment of the kind west 
"of {he mountains. The opposition that Mr. M. met with 
from his friends shows how limited the views of the citizens 
of that period were, in relation to the important situation of 
Pittsburg, and the great sources of wealth that lay around 
it. Many thought at that time, that MV M'Clurg would 
certainly be ruined— that a foundry was useless — and that 
he could not possibly succeed — he persevered however, 
and subsequent years have shown the fallacy of human 
progspstications — he realized a fortune— has retired fiom 
businc ss, and lelt the old foundry to fill the pockets of his 
succcc^nors with better stuff than pig metal. 
' During the last war Mr. M. had a very large contract 
with the national government, for furnishing ordnance and 
ball. The priBcipal part of which were destined for the 
fleet on Lake Erie. The arsenal at La wrenceville, exhi- 
bits a long rasge, of field pieces, carronades, &c. of his 
manufaciuie, that are as beautiful a- they are. substantial 
and true— they having stood all those nice and scrupulous 



95 VITTSBURW. 

tests of strength and measurement, which the ordnance 
department are wont to use in their inspecliOns. 

The Pittsburg founciry is at present carried on by 
Messrs/Alexander M'Clurg,Cuthbert and Co. on an ex- 
tensive scale. There are two furnaces which are daily 
in use, and the amount of metal that is converted into 
wheels, shafts, cannon, stoves, hollow ware, grates and 
ali manner of castings, is about 600 tons per annum. Fif- 
ty, hands are constantly employed and yearlv about 15000 
bu'ineis of coal are consumed. The value of castings is 
from 6^ to 70 dollars per ton, consequently the manuiac- 
tures of this foundry amount to 40,800 dollars per annum. 
The castings find a market in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, 
Illinois, &c. . • 4 

The cannon for the United States are cast here, six and 
twenty-four pounders. Balis and shot are manufactured 
here, also, tea-kettles. The process of the tea- kettle is 
very ingenious, and requires much care and attention, the 
mould must be true to a hair, the most difficult part is 
the spout. Large kettles for the su^^ar business in New 
Orleans, are cast at this foundry , they have neither legs 
nor ears: weight (the largest,) 1800! and hold 600 gallons! 
thev are shaped like a large wooden bowl. Capital em- 
ployed, is 60,000 dollars, and the cost per day |200— 
hands receive $1 25 per day. 

But the boilers and cannon, banged every thing; Jom- 
ihan ought to come here to see first, the great pofs, (1 be- 
lieve they were,) full of the red liquid, pouring down 
somewhere, and presently, a huge crane swings roun.l as 
^though it were going to batter down the wooden side of 
ithe building, from it drops a chain, which pulls uft^to the 
astonishment of the beholder, a twenty-four pounder, or 
a boiler, which Mr. Crane sets out of doois, and returns 
to his quarters. In every thing executed here, the hand 
iof a master is visible in the sketch, there is noihmgcan 
surpass the correctness with which every thing is exe- 
cuted. . . 

In order to facilitate the operations of boring, a boring 
twill is attached to the machinery. 



PiTtsBiriuj. 97 

. M'CIurg & Co. have two large ware-houses— one at 
the foundry, coiner ol Smithtieid and Fifih --t.eets, and 
the otiier in Wood, b<;tween Front and Water streets, 
where tnay be seen some fine specimens and patterns in 
their line. 



JACKSON FOUNORY 



Corner of Sixth and Liberty-streets, owned by Messrs. 
Kh:j;siaud, Lightuer an-i Sowers. At this establisment, 
has Deen luacle, some of f iie heaviest casting ever se-n in 
this country About 500 tons, of pig metal are converted 
here a,uiuall> into mactiinery of all kinds, stoves, gratis, 
Wagon boxes, plough plates, and in short, every article 
that may be desired, from Ihe weight of, 4 tons down to 
one-fourth ol a pound, twenty hands are generally em- 
ployed, and 9000 bushels ot coal consumed yearly. * 

f his is the first manufa<'iuriag house I ente?ed in Pitts- 
burg— passing by the door, I suspected what was going 
on, and called in. They had just fmished casting, hut 
said tiiej would begii, agam in half an hour: the mettle 
was just beguming to melt. 

The principal was absent and the clerk in the couat- 
ing room, was a poor shoat, (counting rooms are attached 
to all these establishmeiits.) He paid no more attention 
wh'm I addressed him, than if I had spoken to a post, I 
pushed on, nevertheless, through walls and raa^parts of 
castings, until I came to a door that opened into the foun- 
dry, and being charmed with the modest and affable man- 
ners ol the workmen, I amused myself in watching the 
metal sis it melted and rolled on, in a bright stream to the 
front of the furnace. The bottom of these furnaces be- 
ing an inclined plane, the pigs are laid upon the highest 
part, and by looking through the .crevices of the mouth 
of liie furnace, ym may see the metal running down. 

Meantime, I received as much attention from the work- 
men as [ would have received from the most finished 
cpurtier. They fixed up a seat or a sort of throne, rath- 
er, where I sat out of harms way, until they were done. 
They dipt out the raetal with large deep ladies, with long 



98 ' PITTSBURG. 

handles. The ladle resembles an iron pot precisely iii 
shape, depth, and ii^rvow, and holds about a gallon 

But when they cast large pieces, they have a pot of 
about four gallons, handle on each side, and two men 
take hold of it, one on each side, tilling it first with a ladle. 
They plaster the inside of their ladles with clay to keep 
the metal from sticking. 

As quick as they are done filling the last row of moulds, 
they begin to lake out the ware at the first. The} i.ast 
twice in the day, once in the forenoon and oncf in the af- 
ternoon, and rest the balance of the day, after getting the 
moulds ready for the succeeding day. 

EAGLE FOUNDRY, 

In Kensington. This establishnient was erected by A. 
BeMen, but is now conducted by the same gentlemen that 
own the Jackson toundry, atid composes a part of their 
concern. The castings' of boh foundries are much the 
same. The consumption of m.etal at the Eagle is about 
300 tons J early. Employs about 12 hands, and bums 
about 7000 bushels ot coal The value of cast ngs of 
both establishments amount annually to about 36,750 dol- 
lars. 

The mechanical operations are conducted by two of the; 
ablest moulders, whose abilities and knowledge of their/ 
avocation are above being questioned. And as they com-j. 
bine every attention and skill, with their own actual and 
unremitting l^hor, the reputation ot the Ja( kson an(i Ea- 
gle foundries, will alwajs be maintained, while they are 
concerned. We allude to Messrs. KingslandjLightneraud 
Sowers. 

Their warehouse is on Liberty near Sixth-street, whisre 
are every variety of castings and patterns. 



PHOENIX FOUNDRY 



Situate on Scotch hill, corner of Ross and Third -streets; 
ow ricd b> Messrs. Miller and Freeman. I* was estab- 
flahed m 1821, by Clark, and is pmcipally devoted 



PITTSBURG. 99 

to the lighter orderof castings— such as sad-irons, grates, 
stoves, wheels, &c. &c. into which about 200 tons are an- 
nually converted. Ten hands are constantly employed, 
and about 7800 bushels of coal are consumed annually. 
The value of castings made during the last year, amounts 
to 14560 dollars. 

This concern we believe is in a very prosperous condi- 
tion, and as it is owned by a couple of industrious, clever 
gentlemen, we wish it may continue so. They have a 
ware house in Liberty, three doors south of St. Clair 
street. 

Whether this factory be operation, at this time (1826,) 
or not, I am unable to say: but certain it is, these gentle- 
men have just finished the Washington Foundry, which 
was going into operation, as I called on them. A large 
nail factory is attached to it, upon Reeds plan. Caoital 
J9000 dollars. ^ 

The- Washington Foundry combines many improve- 
ments, and makes a handsome appearance — all those are 
convenient in proportion to their size. 

stackhouse's foundry. 

Attached to the Columbian Steam Engine factory, in 
Front street, at the corner of Redoubt alley. The princi- 
pal part of the castings made at this establishment, are 
steam machinery, into which about 400 tons of metal are 
annually converted. Constant employment is given to 
12 iiands, and about 8800 bushel of coal, are consumed 
yearly. The value of the manufactures per year, is aboat 
18000 dollars. 

ALLEGHENY FOUNDRY, 

Situated near the Allegheny river, on M'Cormick's alley, 
and owned by Mr. William Franklin. Manufactures light 
articles generally, consuming per annum, about 166 'oas 
of metal, and employs 6 hands. The coiisumptjd/; o .*al 
is about 4000 bushels, and the value of manutactures dur- - 
ing the last year 10,140 dollars. 



100 PlTTSBUKG 



STACKHOUSE AND THOMPSON'S FOUNDllY, 

On Liberty and Second-streets; and is attaclied to their 
steam engine factory. The whole of the castings made 
here aie applied to steam boafs and steam machinery, 
generally. The quantity of metal made use of ann,ualiy, 
IS 120 tons, employs 10 hands, and annually consumes 
about 3,500 bushels oi coal. The value of machinery 
made in the same time, is about $7,200. 

price's cupola foundry. 

Situated one-fourth of a mile east of Pittsburg:, and may 
be considered a brass as well as an iron fiuudry, as all 
the, various articles of a light nature in both branches are 
manufactured here. Mr. Price also makes large cruci- 
bles for fusing copper, brass, &c. and is the only person 
about Pittsburg, who has succeeded in making these 
articles in perfection. Value of castings, &c. about 4000 
dollars. 

BIRMINGHAM FOUNDRY, 

Carried on by Messrs. Sutton and Nicholson, consumes 
annually about 200 tons of metal, whicli is converteil into 
castings of every kind, and valued at rii,000 dollars. This 
foundry is connected with other establishments, which we 
shall notice in another place. Consumption of coal about 
10,000 bushels, and employs eight hands. 

Th.'ire is also manufactored at this establishment, by 
steam, tobacco-press, paper-mill and fuUci's screws of 
all sizes. Iron turning of all kinds, is also done. 

RECAPITULATION. 

In the eight, foundries before mentioned, there has been 
convrsled J! to castings, rluvine the last Iwelv- months, 
3>l^6 tonsoi metal, 106 hands employed— 66,000 busheb 



PITTSBURG. 101 

of coal consumed, and the total value of manufactures 
132,610 dollars.* ' 

NAILERIES. 

The manufacture of nails is carried on here to a very- 
great extent; so much so, that it is probahle there are more 
nails made in Pittsburg in one year than, is made in the 
same period in all the western country beside. The in- 
ventionof those patent nail machines have produced a great 
revolution in this branch of business, and have almost en- 
tirely superseded the use of the hammer and the die. 

The facility with which the cutting and heading of nails 
is performed, stand thus, of 3 nails 400 may be made 
per minute; of 6d 300 to 350, and of 12d there has been 
made 1760 pounds per day, one machine!! 

UNION ROLLING MILL NAIL FACTORY, 

Has 14 nail machines in operation, by which ^11 kinds of 
nails are manufactured, from 3d to 20d. There ivas made 
last year at this establishment, 720,000 lbs. which being 
averaged at 6 cents per pound, gives their value at 43,200 
dollars. 

SLIGO NAIL FACTORY, 

Attached to the Sligo Rolling Mill, and driven by steam; 
ha- 4 machines that oui annually, 400,000 pounds of nails 
which are worth 32,000 dollars. 

PITTSBURG NAIL FACTORY, 

Owiedby Richard Bowen, and connected with his rolling 
mill, has 10 machines; makes 5,804 kegs of cut nails, of 
various siz< s, and 22,000 pounds of wrought nails; malt- 
ing a total of 7e2,8b7 pounds. Value |66,544 39 cjss, 

* Three last, e'-timaied im 1826. 
*9 



102 PlTTSBLtRG, 

grant's hill nml factory, 

Attached to the Grant's Hill Iron works, has five machines, 
^h'.ch are driven by steam; manufactures 250 tons of 
nails, of various sizes, per annum Value, |40,000. 

:v 

JUNIATA NAIL FACTORY, 

Connected vfith the Juniata iron works, and owned by Dr. 
Shoeisber^er. Has 5 machines in operation, and manu- 
factures per annum, 500,000 pounds of nails, of all sizes. 
Value, 40,000 dollars. 1 have noticed this elsewhere. 

PINE CREEK NAIL FACTORY, 

Owned by Mr. B. Belknap, and connected with his other 
extensive works on that stream, They make at this esta- 
blishment, by 4 machines, about 3,640 kegs of nails, of 
various sizes, making 456,000 pounds. Valued at 34,100 

dollar*. . ^ . , -1 

There are in Pittsburg, about six factories, where nails 
are made in the old way; employ about sixteen hands, 
ar.d make per annum, 360,000 pounds. Valued at 28,000 
elollars. 

STEAM ENGINES. 

Pittsburgh in this branch of business, has acquired 
great celebrity. The numerous engines made heie, and 
the attention paid to their construction, has enabled ;he 
eni^ineers, beyond all others, to improve, by rtnderiug 
every succeeding one less complicated, and lenderini^ its 
onerations less difficult and dangerous. No place in the 
world, can surpa .• Pittsburg, as to the means and mater- 
ials, tot manufacturing these powerful machines. 

The ta!eiit and skill displayed in the application of 
steam, to answer every purpose, is equal to the advanta- 
« -:, artrt Jiexi to the. invention itself. They would, I be- 
litve, grind c«flce, or in short apply stewn to every thing 



PITTSBURG. 103 

done by the hand, and su(;li a number of them is astonish- 
ius^; one would think ihe steam engines alone, wouW ex- 
haust the mountains of Potosi. But they are nothing to 
the casting, nails, and other ware. The cause of this, 
is found in its resouices, as the people have nothing to do 
but to apply the fire to the coal, and the coal to the me- 
ta!I — all areon the spot in endless masses. 

When the article is made, nothing is to do hut put it m 
a vessel, and away it goes by vviau and steam, instead of 
wincjand tide. 

If a man wishes to build a boat, he has nothing to do 
but take his axe, go up the MonongahHa or Allegheny, 
and ffll the timber, float if down, and to lose no time, 
he may build a -^aw mill as h<" sails down the river. 

All thfse advantaaes would be nothing, however, but 
for system^ application and union— of all people, they are 
the least envious, or jealous of each other: this curse of 
the Yankee states, is unknown in the generous Birmiiig- 
haai of America. If on" happens to have mor'- water or 
more money, or the smallest advantage over another, m 
the east, his throat is in danger — not so in Pittsburg, eve- 
ry one puts his shoulder to the wheel, all pull together; 
every one. rejoices at the prosperity of hii, neighbor. If 
an-iion merchant n)akes a guod sale, his neighbor is as 
much gratified as though he made it himself. This (rait, 
and the elevated manners of the mechanics, is peculiat o 
Pittsburg, and what is the cause? no missionaries amon-st 
them!!! ° 

The generality of Pittsburg engines, are constructed 
on what is called the high pressure principle, in cou) ra- 
disf iaction to the low pressure. Of the merits of either I 
am not competent to decide, each has a powerful sujjport 
in the prejudices of the people; but were I to judge from 
the great majority of higl. pressure engines in use, and the 
generally superior running of boats that are propelled by 
them, I would give the ^nemtace unequivocali) to high 
steam. A- to danger, which a great nianv persons sup- 
pose is always connected with high steam; irom an ac- 
count kept of accidents which have occuied on the Ohio, 
»nd elsewhere, the number on board the low pressure 



104 ' PITTSBURG. 

steam boats, have been twice, if not three times as great 
as thosf; on high pressure 

There are six steam engine manufactories in Pittsburg 
and its vicinity, all active4y engaged, where engines can 
be furnished 15 per cent, lower than at any other establish- 
ment of the kind in the United States. 

COLUMBIAN STEAM ENGINE COMPANY, 

At the corner of Second-street and Redoubt alley, con- 
ducted by Mr. Mark Staekhouse, a gentleman of known . 
reputation as an able engineer, and in company with 
Messrs. Rogers, Evans and others, were the first persons 
that commenced this branch of business in the western 
country. Seven steam engines, none of which were less 
than 60 horse power, avarage value, 30,000— were made 
in one year by the company. In their construction and 
for otlier purposes, they made use of 100,000 lbs of bar 
iron, besides the necessary quantity of casting. Twenty 
hands are constantly employed, and about 4,500 bushels of 
coal consumed. A very large high pressure engine is now 
finishing lor a steam boat on lake Erie. 

Connected w ith the Columbian Steam Engine Factory, 
there is a turning, boring and grinding establishment, 
which is put into operation by steam power, derived from 
the Vittsburg Steam Mill. Here are cut all kinds of 
tobacco press, paper-makers and tullers scirews; turning 
of iron, &c. 

Mr. Staekhouse received an order for an engine of 100 
horse power, to be placed in the iron works of the Messrs. 
Thompsons, at the moulh of French creek, on the Schuyl- 
til), 25 miles from Philadelphia. It was built, accord- 
ingly, and forwarded over the mountains in wagons, and 
kas ully realised every expectation, as to its exceilf^nce. 

Messrs. Warden and Arthurs, at the corner of Seco«d 
and West streets, have aii extensive concern. These 
gentlemen nave been very successful, and their work i& 
heiff in deservedly high estimation. In one year they 
put up five engines, all of tlie largei' class, valurd at 
35,000 dollars. They employ about 30 hands, and coiiswne 



PITTSBTJRft. 105 

5000 bushels of coal psr )-ear. A large and powerful low 
pressure engine is now finishuig at this esiablishment, for 
a sJfeam ^bpai on La ice Erie. 

Foi th<*purposf^ of facilitating the operations of turn- 
ing, punchinj?, &c. and reducinjj the quantity of manual 
t labor required, the proprietors have built a steam engine. 
! Messrs. Stackhouse and Thompson, on Liberty street 
at the corner of Third. This firra has put up some of the 
bes^ engines employed in the oavit^ation of the western 
waters. They ha^e construct'^d within one year, 5 en- 
gines of the largest class, valued at 35,000 dollars. Thir- 
ty hands are daily-employed. 

Messrs. Smith and Biuny, on Grant's hill. These gen- 
tlemen have lately commenced, but th(y have already 
built three engines, valued at 14,000 dollars, and employ 
15 hands. 

M. B. Belknap, Esq. on Pine creek; has made witbin 
'the last yeas, two very large engines, and has two others 
on hand, valued at 16,000 dollars. 

Mahlon. Rogers, at the corner of Grant anB Fourth- 
streets. Has made two small enaines, ralued at 800. — ■ 
Two large ones are now on hand.* 

STEAM WIRE MANUFACTORY, 

In Kensington, near the Union Rolling Mill, conducted 
by Mr. Arnold Eichbaum. Has an engine of ten horse 
power— employs seven hands, and manutactures wire 
from No. 1 to 16 We hare been infornsed by gentlemcR 
who are acquanted with the article, that Mr. Eichbaum's 
is of an excellent quality. 

STEAM TURNING AND GRINDING MILL. 

Owned by William Hall, in Kensington. It is devoted 
entirely to turning brass and iron, and to grinding sad 
irons, &c. &c. Has an f-rgine often horse power. 

*EMiaiate uf sfeain boats in 1826-.the author attempted ia Tain t» 
get the last estimate. 



106 PITTSBURG. 

This immense amount was supplied from about 12 or 
13 !t!ast furnaces, situated in the neiffhboriiig couiilits of 
Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Westmoreland, Venango, Craw- 
ford, &c. 

COTTON. 

The manufactures of Cotton are limited. The large 
amount of capital, i he various tributary and connecied 
branches of workmanship, indispensably necessary to pro- 
fitable operation, have probably prevented its earlier and 
more successful experiment. 

STEAM COTTON FACTORY, 

Owned by James Arthurs and Sons, situated on Straw- 
berry, near Cherry alley. The machinery consists of one 
throstle of 120 spindles, one mule of 168 spindles, with 
the necessary apparatus for carding, &c. It its princi- 
pally employed in the manufacture oi fine yarns from No. 
16 to 20. Thirteei handi are employed in the cotton fac- 
tory. 

PHCENIX STEAM COTTON FACTORY. 

Owned by Messrs, James Adams, Allen and Grant and 
James S. Grant, in the Northern Liberties of the city.— 
Capital |1 5,000. In the spring of 1822, they brought 
from Pi evidence, R. I. the largest amount of machinery 
ever exported thence, under a single order, including all 
the most esteemed machines then in use, for their contem- 
pl ted purposes, together with workmen in turning, filing, 
carding, spinning, dressing, weaving, &c. 

Their establishment ccmtains upwards of twenty seven 
hundred Bpindlt-s:— twenfy-two tlirostles of 84 spindles, 
and six mules of 180 spindles each, together with tlie 
necessary piepnration machine«; sixteen looms (or weav- 
ing yard wide sheetings, dresser, warper, &c. 1 hey pro- 
duce daily about seven liuiidred weight of yarnJ'ruiu No. 
5 to 22, and about four hundred and fifty yards of cotton 



PITTSBURe. 107 

cloth, consuming about siv hundred bal^s of cotton annual- 
ly Th^ty eni|jioy al)Out one huivired and ^pventy persons, 
including- those at work in th, ir machine shop 'f'ne annual 
value of their manufactured goods, is 100,000 dollars, 
calculating their yams and sheetings at the eastern prices, 
by which they usually are regulated. The power, oper- 
ating jhis machinery, i» a steam engine of about forty 
hosse power, which tunis the lathes, grirsd-stoiies, &c. of 
the machine shop, and forces the escape ateam through 
the building, diffusing a general and mod»>rate heat 

Mr. John M'llroy, in Wood, between Fronl. and Se- 
cond-s'reets, has in operation 80 hand looms, employed 
as follows: — 

On 5 plaids, 62 producing 930 yards per day. S152 20 

On Siripes, 10 " 160 " " " 23 40 

On Check, 8 " 112 " " « 19 02 

Total looms 80 producing 1202 yards per day. $194 62 

There is employed in (lie business of this concern, inci ud- 
ing the coloring department, 155 hands The number of 
yards manufacfuied per annum, is o63 600 and the whole 
at 15 cents per yard, amounts to 54,540 dollars. 

Mr James Shaw, in Wood-street, between Sixth and 
Liberty, has in operation 80 hand looms, em[)loyerJ in 
weaving plaid and checks. Weaves 30,000 annually, 
amount $60,000. , 

Mr. Thomas Graham, in Market, between Fifth and 
Lit)erty streets, has 84 hand looms in operation, which 
are employed as follows: on plaids, stripes, checks, and 
Wilmington stripe. 

Messrs. Tilford and Sons, near Pittsburg, have 8 looms 
employed on stripes, plaids, &c. They weave annually 
about 36,000 yards, besides a considerabh quantify of 
cas-sinets and woollen carpeting. They employ about 15 
hands. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

There are in Pittsburg, besides tho<e already enumer- 
ated, 47 looms, which are engaged in various kiads oi" jvea- 



108 FITTSBUUW. 

ving — such as coverlt^ts, carpets, linen, cotton cloth, &c. 
Among ail, 60 hands are engaged, weaver^, spoolers, &c. 
Wiio make per y^ar, about 21 1 ,500 yards of various siutfs, 
valued at 29,210 doriai*s. 

It may be reuiarki'd, That the plaids, stripes, &c. pro- 
duced ai the above establishments, are of" the bet^t quality, 
as to material, workmanship, and colors, .uid thai they 
can be afforded at a cheaper rate than they can be brought 
from beyond the mountains. They afford a convenient 
and prohtable employment to a great number of workmen, 
many of whom have iheir shops attached to the owntiwel- 
ling«, and employ their own children in the preparatorjl^ 
and lighter parts of the business. ' 

Thf' yarn for thr hand looms is principally supplied by 
the Pi<cenix Factory, and the factory of the Messr- Ar- 
thurs. The lemaiuder is procured from some of the fac- 
tories named below, which I enumerate to complete the 
view of thecotuui business in this section of the coiintry. 

Tfie Browiisvillf or Br'uip,eport Cotton Factory, situat- 
ed at Bridgeport, oi ihe M inongahcla, aiid^owned by Mr. 
Trtdhias Burk. In this factory tiiereare 730 spindl^ s, and 
about 500 lbs. yarn, from No 13 to 18, is produced 
per day. 

T)i: Economy Steam Cotton Factory, situated 17 miles' 
below this city owned by th^* Econonnst.s, is just ti.'nng 
into operation, with about 500 spindies, lo be increased 
shortly to 1000. Both spinning and weaving to be car- 
ried on in this establishment. 

The Beaver Cotton Factory, b«longing to Messrs. 
Pugh and Wilson, propelleii by water power. 

WOOLLEN. 

The manufactures of Pittsburg, in this branch, are yet 
very limited. The principal article manulacturen here, 
in this line, iscassinet — its cheapness and duiability gen- 
erally commanding a market. 

James Arthurs & Sons, m connexion with their steam 
cotton factory, have a woeliea esiabiishment, where they 



PITTSBURG. 109 

have, during the last year,- manufactured, carded and 

dressed, to wit: 

Of broad cloth, 1200 yds. Av. val. pr. yd. $4 - $4,800 

Of cassinets, 3C00 ' ' ' 86 cts. 3060 



Yds. 4800 $7860 

They carded and spun 15,000 pounds of wool, and 
dressed 8000 yards of country cloth. Do all their own 
dressing, and employ in this branch 11 hands 

Headrick and Gibb have a woollen manufactory at the 
corner of Liberty street and Diamond alley. 

' 2 looms on cassinets, 14 yds. per day, 4200 yds. at 85 cts. $3,570 00 

. Cardtjd for tl>e country 7000 ib. wool at Qi cts. - 437 50 

1 loom on coverlets, carpets, &c. - - - 700 00 

Spunfor country 3000 lb. — 

$4,?07 50 

FLEECEDALE WOOLLEN MANUFACTORY. 

Situated on Chariier's creek, a few miles west of Pitts- 
burg, near the Sieuben road. This is a respectahle es- 
tablishment, and is owned by Messrs A and J Murphy. 
The tnachinery is driven by water power. The business 
of this establishment is as follows: 

Four looms on Cassinets, 32 yards per day. 

One loom on broad cloths. 5 yaids per day. 

There are two carding nachines, and one mule of 90 
spindles, by which 10,000 lbs. of wool has been elided 
and spun. Atta?:hrd is a Fulling mill and Dying esta- 
blishmt-nt. 16 per'^cns are employed. . 

The Messrs. Muipby^s are said to be among thr^ first 
rate clothiers in the. country, who combine with gregi en- 
terprize and industry, an indffaiigable zeal to retfder their 
mauulactures worthy of i.uhlic support 

Pleecedale cloths au'l c.'SSi'ine's may be spa.v and pur- 
chased at M. S. Mason and McDonough's wholesale dry 
good store, V'ood sueet. 
10— Vol. II, 



110 PITTSBURG. 



GLASS WORKS. 



I now come to the most difficult class of manufactures 
for description, and what I have dreaded from the be- 
ginniag 

In the foregoing description of iron, woollen, and cot- 
ton manufactures, I was greatly aided by a small Direc- 
tory: but the writer being accustomed to see ih«se 
things daily, has no idea of the impressions they make 
upon strangers; and of all towns, (in our country I mr an,) 
Pittsburg excites most astonishment. Every fhing pur- 
sued in other towns is thrown into the shade by Pitts- 
burg: even in the building of steam-boats it excels, by a 
long way, our great city. New York. 

You see nothing but columns of smoke rolling out of 
these manufactories in every part of the city, and in eve- 
ry street. Go to the river Monongahela and you see no- 
thing but steam-boats, two stories high, many of <hem, 
and two tiers of windows, precisely like a house, and 
with gable ends. 

But BakewelVs is the place: whoever wishes to see 
the blowing of glass done with ease and despatch, let 
them visit his glass-house. It stands in the city, on the 
bank of the Monongahela, and the furnace has been in 
blast five years! that is, it has never been out. When a 
crucible breaks, they have a machine by which it is ta- 
ken out of the furnace, and another one, which is always 
ready, put in. But the first thing that struck me here, as 
before, was the appearance of the men, of which there 
were but few; two only finished the pieces after they 
were blown by the boys, of which there were several. 

These boys, as well as the two gentlemen, (who are 
entirely entitled to the epithet, if ever men were,) are, 
for skill and expedition, unequalled. 

I had called the previous day, but they were not 
blowing: they told me, however, at what hour to call the 
succeeding day. 

Almost at the entrance of the house, I was suddenly 
surprised by a gentleman sitting on a bench with a back 



PITTSBURG. in 

to it and a sort of arm at each end, raised about half wav 
his breast, supposing a stick laid across it. The bench 
was about three feet in length; across these arms lav a 
piece of iron, if I recollect,about the size of a walking cane 
on the end of this stuck a tumbler, partly frnerwhich 

of f l^ri ^ *"'"V"\''^' iron very Lt,V the assistance 
ot a large pair of shears, which he now and then ran 
into the mouth of the glass, and turned it round, the glass 
bemg phant, as if to widen, it and put it into shape Th 
he did with one hand, while he kept turning the tumbler 
backwards and forward, very fast,^vith the' other ha d- 
bu the most of the time he turned it with both hands or 
rolled It rather, as we do a rolling-pin in makin^ naSirv 
He soon finished the glass, by whi?h^time tSoy^roa I 
tended h.m brought him another upon a simila/piece of 
iron, and taking the first offlaid th^ in the same place 
The operation is so quick that I could scarcely believe 
my own eyes that it was reality-it may be supposed the 

^av° XT '' 'T\ ^^^" ^' '"^'^^^ 600 tumblers p7r 
day The glass when brought to him is a hollow oblong 
and the moment he receives it, rolling all the whHe he 
chps what IS to be the mouth of the glass with the sh4rs 
which brings it even; after this it is soon Tn shape The 
mouth expands as he rolls it round ^ 

n.J/"'7^' ""T ^^ ^^^ ^"^'^ '°°^i"? '"en in Pittsburg- 
Til '^T-^'- ''";f ""^ '^^""^» ^^^^' «nd then erec^ 
men s hU fin""'"''^^' ^'''' '\'' accompanied bis move- 
mems his fine countenance and soft black eye, all be- 

fo the spTt "' ''"'™^ sweetness-I 4'riveted 

r t^nk ^"1^\"Pk'' ^?^^"f "P' ^ '^^ ^"^^^e'' raan, which 
d to bP th t'" ^'' «''' ^'""^ ' resemblance, which prov- 

U decanters, and was still more interesting in his apDear- 

rthe^rdte''^ decanters per day l^They in^^d 

"ears' ff it . "^'P^?^'^ '" ^'^« ^^'"^ ^^^ ^or ten 
Iht LL not mistake. The proprietor has good 

ITJ? ^T^ l^ ^^'''^ "'""^ they\«ust be worth diier 

rhole nr/'^f- ^"''l '1""^ '''' n^«^ «"d in plac: the 



112. PlTTSIiURG. 

This is the property of Bake well, Page & Bakewell, 
situated in Water sireet, above Grant: was erected m 
181 1 This establishment is entirely devoted to the ma- 
nufacture of white or flint glass, and has succeeded m 
producing the best specimens of this article ever made 
in the United States. The admiration of this glass is not 
confined merely to home observers, but the great amount 
of it which has been exported, testify the reputation it 
eniovs abroad; and there is scarcely a stranger visits 
Pittsburg, who isnotdesirous of taking a peep at Bake- 
well's Glass House. Amidst all the depressions and ge- 
neral stagnations of trade, of past days, the proprietors 
of this concern have manifested a stcddy, persevering, en- 
terprising spirit, as honorable to themselves as their ma- 
nufactures are creditable to our country. 

Numerous articles are made at this manufactory: tlrey 
embrace every thing in the glass line, of every price and 
of every grade of workmanship, from the most beautilul 
to the most plain and uncut. There are employed here bl 
hands, 12 ot whom are constantly engaged m engraving 
and ornamenting. 30,000 bushels of coal are consumed 
ar u.ily, and the value of glass made per year is about 
46,000'dollars.* 

BIRMINGHAM GLASS WORKS. 

Erected in the year 1812, by Messrs. Sutton Wendt 
& Co., but are now conducted by Messrs. Wendt, l!.n- 
cell, Impson, and others. This establishment manulac- 
tures window glass, and green hollow ware entirely ; and 
has done, and is still doing, an immense busmess b r- 
minsham glass has been transported to every part ot the 
Union, and has acquired much celebrity for its good 
oualitv The owners are all actual workmen, hence, 
their disposition as well as their interest has always been 
to render their articles of the best kind. They employ 

*fB 1826— it is now double. 



I^ITTSBURG. 1 13 

60 hands— consume 40,000 bushels of coal, and manu- 

facture annual!}', viz: 

Wmdow glass, 4^000 boxes, value, $16,000 
Porter bottles, 100 gross, ' 900 

HoUowvvare, 10,000 dozen, « 11,040 



$27,940 



In the manufacture of this article, Pittsburg and the 
surrounding country ?njoys an extensive reputation. It 
is needless to repeat the advantages they possess. The 
glass of Pittsburg, and the parts adjacent, is known and 
sold from Maine to New Orleans. Even in Mexico they 
quaff their beverage from the beautiful white-flint of 
Messrs. Bakewell, Page and Bakewell. At a recent ex- 
hibition of American manufactures, by the Frankjin In- 
stitute, of Philadelphia, where specimens of the finest 
glass made in the United Stales were brought forward, 
the premium was awarded to the gentlemen just named. 

PITTSBURG GLASS WORKS, 

Are situate on the south side of the Monongahela, oppo- 
site the Point, and is now conducted by Mr. F. Lorenz. 
This concern was the first of the kind established in tiie 
western country. It was built as early as 17D7, by Gen. 
O'Hara and Major Craig. For a few years theii success 
seemed very daubtful— so much so, that the latter gen- 
tleman withdrew, and left Mr. O'Hara to make the best 
of what was then termed a losing concern. But the Gen- 
eral who had a happier knack of seeing a few years be- 
fore him, and drawing deductions from the nature' of 
things than any of his cotemporaries, persevered with his 
glass house, made large additions, prospered, and con- 
ducted it until his death, in 1819. It has since been 
rented, and now its operations are very extensive. WitHin 
the last year there has been manufactured, viz: 

Window glass, 7,500 boxes, valued at $31,000 
Porter bottles, 160 gross, ' 1,440 

Hollow ware, 3,160 dozen, ' 4,4^4 

*10 



114 PITTSBURG. 

Fifty hands are employed here, and upwards of 25Q 
souls are supported in this establishment. Cousumplion 
of coal per annum is 70,754 bushels, and 600 cords of 
wood. 

STOURBRID&E GLASS WORKS, 

Near the corner of Ross and Second streets, erected by 
Mr. John Robinson, in 1823. Manufactures white, or 
flint glass only. 

Mr. Robinson employs 18 hands; consumes 18,000 
■bushels of coal, and his glass, made per annum, is valued 
at 22,000 dollars. 

The following establishments may be said to be in the 
immediate neighborhood, and Pittsburg the store-house 
and market of their pianufactures. 

Bridgeport (xlass Works, on the Monongahela, manu- 
factures window glass and hollow ware to the amount of 
4000 boxes valued at 16,000 dollars. 

JVew Albany, on the same river, at the mouth of Red- 
stone, manulactures annually wmdow glass an/l hollow 
ware to the amount of 4000 boxes — equal to 16,000 
dollars. 

J\eio Boston, at Perryopolis on the Youghiogany makes 
window glass and hollow ware, yearly to the amount of 
2,000 boxes, equal to 8,0«>0 dollars. 

Williamsport, on the Monongahela, makes window 
glass,. &c. to the amount of 3000 boxes, valued at 12,000 
dollars. 

Geneva works, owned by Mr. Gallatin, manufactures 
yearly, about 4,000 boxes, valued at 16,000 dollars. 
Total number of boxes, 17,000, value, $ 68,000 

To which add Pittsburg window and flint glass, 131,804 

Total value, $189,804 

PAPER. 

The manufacture of paper is carried on to a very great 
extent in the western counties of Pennsylvania. In 1^10 
^here were bat few papeF-mills in this part of the State, 



PITTSBURG, 115 

Vlie oldeist of which was the Redstone mill, near Browns- 
ville. Now there are nine, four of which are owned in 
this city; be»ides two in the adjacent county of Jefierson, 
Ohio, one of which is owned here, viz: 

ANCHOR STEAM PAPER MILL, 

Owned by Mr. Holdship, situated in Pittsburg, corner 
of Ross and Brackenridd^e streets. This is the largest 
paper making establishment west of the mountains. It is 
put into operation by an engine of 30 horse power, and 
employs 86 hands. ^ There are 6 vats, which produce on 
an average, the year round, 40 reams per week, each, 
which may be valued at 3 dollars per ream, making each 
vat to produce 2080 reams per annum, valued at 6,240 
dollars The whole number of reams produced per year 
is, 12,480, valued at 37,440 dollars. 

The quality of Mr. Holdship's paper is said to be of 
the first order, as is sufficiently tested by his extensive 
sales Within the last 18 months, 40,000 dollars worth 
of Spanish paper has been made at his mill, for the South 
American market, and which has been shipped thence. 

PITTSBURG STEAM PAPER MILL. 

In the Northern Liberties, and owned by Mr. Patterson 
& Co. is driven by an engine of 20 horse power, and has 
3 vats. This concern is now in -operation. 

CLINTON STEAM PAPER MILL, 

Situated at Steubenville, and owned hy Mr. Holdship of 
this city, I shall speak of under the head of Sleubenville. 

FRANKLIN PAPER MILL, 

On Little Beaver, Beaver county; owned by Messrs* 
Cramer and Spear, of this city, is driven h\ vvater pow- 
er; has 2 vats, and manufactures about 9000 dollars 
worth of various kinds of paper annually. 



116 PITTSBURG. 

BIGG BEAVER PAPER MILL 



At the Falls of Big Beaver, owned bj Messrs. Johnston 
and Stockton, of this city. Machinery is driven by wa- 
ter power; has 2 vats, aiid will make annually about 
10,000 dollars worth of paper of all kinds. 

Also in the neighborhood: 

Sewickly Paper Mill, Westmoreland county, owned by 
General Markle; 2 vats, water power. 

Redstone Paper Mill., in Fayette county, owned by 
Messjs. Jackson and Sharpless; 2 vats, water power. 

Yough Paper Mill, Fayette county, owned by Mr. D., 
Rogers; 2 vats, water power. , , 

Ohio Paper Mill, on Little Beaver, owned by Messrs. 
Bever and Bowman; 2 vats, water power. 

Meadville Paper Mill, in Crawford comity, owned by 
Mr McGaw; 2 vats, water power. 

Mountpleasant Paper Mill, Jefferson county, Ohio, 
owned by Mr. Updegratf; 2 vats, water power. 

A new steam paper mill will be erected this summer, 
by Messrs. George Hirst & Co. near the United States' 
Arsenal. Mr. Belknap is now engaged oa the engine. 

The estimated average value of the paper produced at 
each vat in the water mills, at 5000 dollars per year; and 
the rags used in each vat, at 50,000 lbs. Taking ail the 
mills at this average rate, and estimating rags at 5 cents 
per lb. the paper manufactured in the mills enumerated 
would be worth 150,000 dollars, and the amount laid out 
' in the country for rags, would not be less than 58,0Q0 
dollars. 

FLOUR, &c. 

There are four steam grist mills; three in the city, and 
one in Birmingham; all in operation. 

THE PITTSBURG STEAM MILL. 

Situated at the corner of Water street and Redoubt alley; 
was established in 1812, by Oliver Evans, and is now 



PlTTSBtJRG. 117 

conducted by Mr. George Evans. It runs three pair of 
burrs, and can manufacture every \2 hours about 24 
,bbls. of flour; and making the number of barrels per 
year 7000 

To this mill there is attached an extensive plough ma- , 
n.ufactory, also carried on by Mr George Evans; where 
patent, half-patent, hill-side, premium, and common 
ploughs of all sizes, of the most excellent workmanship, 
are made. 

ALLEGHENY STEAM MILL, 

Situate near the Allegheny river, on Irwin's alley; own- 
ed Mr. John Herron. 

ALLEGHENY STEAM SAW-MILL. 

Also owned by Mr. John Herron. It is capable of run- 
ning either one or two saws; one, however, is constant- 
ly cutting, and will turn out from 2000 to 2500 feet of 
boards, per 12 hours; making about 600.000 feet per 
annum. Boards are wortlj 6 dollars per 1000. 

EAGLE STEAM MILL, 

On the Monongahela river, at the mouth of Suke's run; 
conducted by Mr. Henderson. 

Th€ie is attached to this establishment, an extensive 
nail factory, which in the department devoted to nail- 
eries, was\)verlooked. There is one ton of nails manu- 
factured per day; making > early, 600,000 pounds: val- 
ued at 36,000 dollars— 7 machines in operation. 

BIRMINGHAM STEAM MILL, 

Carried on by Sutton and Nicholson. 45 bands employ- 
ed; and the value oi tfieir products, annually, is about 
72.000 dollars. Pittsburg also owns a linen and bagging 
factory. 



118 PlTTSBUfiG. 



BRASS, TIN AND COPPER. 

There are in Pittsburg, four brass founderies, where 
are made all kinds of articles in that line. One or two 
of them, however, are kept almost constantly employed 
in casting the necessary brass- work for steam machine- 
ry. 1 1 hands are employed. 

In the tinning business there are 1 1 separate establish- 
ments, which employ about 65 hands, and manufacture 
about 44000 dollars worth of the ware per year. 

There are also in the city 6 copper-smith shops en- 
gaged in the manufacture of stills, kettles, pipes, &c. &c. 
35 hand* are employed— value of manufactures, 14,000 
dollars. 

SMITHERIES. 

Bhck-smiths.— Within the limits of the corporation 
there are 24 black-smith shops, which employ 115 per- 
sons. The whole value of the work done, per annum, 
IS 47,000 dollars. 

White-smiths —There are, also, six white smith shops, 
devoted to the finer branches of iron- work. Among these 
are the scale-beam and balance manufactories of Thomas 
Hazehon and Hugh Hazelton, (separate concerns,) said 
to produce some of the finest specimens, perhaps ever 
made in our country. 

BIRMINGHAM LOCK MANUFACTORY, 

Of J. and J. Patterson, jr. where are manufactured, knob, 
rim, fine plate and Banbury stock-locks, from 6 to 12 
inches, latches and bolls. These articles are equal to 
any imported. 11 hands are employed, and about 1100 
dozen of the articles manufactured annually— value 4950 
dollars. 

Mr. Tustin, at Soho, has an extensive white smith 
shop. The whole number of hands employed is 45, and 
the value of work produced in all, 23,000 dollars. 



PITTSBUKO, 119 

^«-mti/b.— Of these there are four. They employ 
10 hands, arid manufacture rifles generally, with or with- 
out percussion locks, said to be useful 

Silver-smiths.— There are 8 silver-smiths. 13 hands 

%^K^i%'''^ '" ^'^' ''"^ ^^^ ^^^"^ °^ manufactures about 
i^jOOO dollars. 



LEATHER. 



There are m Pittsburg and suburbs 9 tanneries, owned 
Ppfi ^f «^'"^ gentlemen: Messrs. Hays, Caldv^'ell, 

i [? m^'^'^P'''"' Brown, McCaddon, Bavard, Sample 
and Mcllhenny. 52 hands are employed, and 65,000 dol- 
lars worth of leather made per annum, 

5^ac«d/enes.— Of these there are (hree, viz: Mr Little 
Messrs Hanson & Brice, and Messrs. Plummer & Co' 
In ail the establishments 104 hands are employed, and 
the annual value of thoir manufactures is about ^85,000 

Shoe and Boot Makers.~ln this branch of business 
rmsburg IS very extensively engaged. There are 45 
shoe and boot makers, who employ 225 hands, and ma- 
nufacture annually 95,000 dollars' worth of shoes and 
boots The value of shoes vended by merchants, aud at 
me shoe stores, m no way connected with their manufac- 
ture, IS about 35,000 dollars per annum. 

WOOD. 

Chair Makers.— 0£ these there are 8, whose products 
are of the most elegant kind— their ornamenting, parricu- 
larly being very creditable. 40 hands are employed 
and the value of work done per annum, about M 4 000 ' 

Cabinet Makers -There are 14 cabinet makers in the 
cny, who employ 65 hands, and make about 45,000 dol- 
lars worth per annum. Sending to the east for cabinet 
lurniture, as has been done, is absurd as well as ungener- 
where ^^^^ '^ ^"^"^^ *^ ^^^ ^" Philadelphia or else- 

Coach Makers— Of these there are but two.* !5 

*No flse of CQaches to ride on the water. 



120 PITTSBUIiG. '"^ 

hands employed— value of work 10,000 dollars annually. 

Wagon and Plough, Makers.— There sue 7: eiuploy 
35 iiands, and manulaclure per year to the amount of 
12,000 dollars. 

fVheel Wnghts-^0( these there a»e but 2, who make} 
spinwing-wheels, haiter's-blocks, &c. &c. Employ 1\ 
hands — value of work 3000 dollars per annum. 

Carpenters— Th^.-re are now upwards of 360. j 

Boat butlding.—Inl;h\s branch there are upwards of 
140 |;ersons engaged in the various d<p8vlments. The 
va!u' ofstfamboats, keel-boals, and barges amount to 
72,000 dollars annually.* 

POTTEHIES. 

There are 3; 1 in the city and 2 in the suburbs. Thi 
first is Mr. F. Frf-eman's?, who mauufaciures, beside; 
earthen-ware, a considerable quantity of stone-waie am 
fire- bricks: employs 4 hanfls-^value of ware, &c. mad( 
per year, aboul 2000 dollars 

Birraingham Pottery — Owned by Mr. James Ban 
emi.>'ovs h h.;:*idj;. 

Allegheny PflUery.-~Cov.duc\eAhy Mr. HeeVeswellei 
empi<As 2 hasids, and nianulactures about 1200 doliati 
worth of ware annually, 

ROPE WALK. 

Mr John Irwin of Alieiiheny town, has an extensiy 
rope factor}, where covdage of all k;;ids. tVom the mai 
est wrappiiig twine to the iaige;.' si^bip f.abies are ;uadi 
14 hands are employed, and 15,000 dollars worth mac 
annually. 

WHITE LEAD. 

There are three establishments in the city which mi 
nufact ure this article. 



' *it is infinitely greater at tliia time. 



PITTSBURti. 121 

AVERY & CO.'S WHITE LEAD FACTORY. 

In Penn, between Hand and Wayne streets; was estab- 
lisht'd some years since by James S. Stevenson; and ma- 
nufactures about 3000 kegs per annum. 

BRACKENNIDGE & PORTEr's WHITE LEAD FACTORY, 

Near the corner of Sixth and Liberty streets, makes 
3400 kegs per year. 

BRUNOt's white lead FACTORY, 

• ',■■ 

Manufactures 1200 kegs per annum. j^^H 

The whole number of kegs made, annually, is 6,60^^^ 
wholsale price is 3 dollars 50 cents per keg. Ma 'dug 
the total value of white lead made per annum, ^25,000. 

DISTILLtelES AND BREWERIES. 

There are four distilleries in the city; two of which 
are principally employed in rectifying. 

Mr. George Sutton is the manufacturer of the cele- 
brated Tuscaloosa^ which has been drank from Maine to 
Georgia. 

Breweries. — Of these establishments there are 3. The 
oldest and most extensive is the Point Brewery, conduct- 
ed by Mr, Shiras. Manufactured last year, (1826,) 
2600 barrels of porter and 1500 barrels of beer — value 
17,000 dollars. 

Pittsburg Brewery, makes 2000 barrels of porter and 
1200 barrels of beer — value 13,600 dollars. Owned by- 
Messrs. Brown and Varnex, Liberty street. 

Kensington Brewery. — Conducted by Messrs. Collart 
& Silvey. Maiiufactures about 600 barrels of porter and 
ale, and 1500 barrels of beer — value 7,500 dollars. 

n__Voi. II. 



122 FITTSBUKG. 



TOBACCO. 

In the manufacture of this article there are 11 esta- 
blishments; which produce annually about 4,833 kegs of 
tobacco, and about 4,000,000 of segars. 140 hands are 
employed — value of manufactures, 53,000 dollars. 

WIRE WEAVING. 

There are two establisTiments engaged in the manu- 
facture of sieves, fenders, &c. and the weaving of wire. 
At one of these, (Mr. Tovvnsend's,) wheat fans are made 
in a very superior manner. Six hands are employed in 
all, and 10,000 dollars' worth of work made annually. 

SALT. 

It is an astonishing fact, that notwithstanding the nu- 
merous salinous indications that for many years were 
known to exist about Pittsburg, no one, until within a 
ye r or two past, ever made an attempt to obtain salt 
water by boring. 

Mr. George Anshutz, at the moulh of Saw-mili run, 
on the Ohio, one mile below the point, succeeded in ob- 
taining water of an excellent quality, at between 1 and 2 
hundred feet. This water is raised by a small steam 
engine, and emptied into two large pans, which are kept 
constantly boiling, together with several refining kettles. 
50 bushels ot salt are made per day, amounting, yearly, 
to about 4000 barrels — valued at 5000 dollars. 

Mr. Boyle Irwin, at the mouth of Nine-mile run, on 
the Moncngahela, has also a well of very strong water; 
ha.s one pan in operation, and makes 25 bushels per day. 

Mr. McDonald, on Chartier's creek, on the Steuben- 
ville road, has one well, and makes 25 bushels per day. 

Mr. Thomas Neel, on the Monongahela, above the 
mouth of Turtle creek, has tolerable good water. 

Mr. Wiliian. C. Miller is now boring on the north side 
of the Allegheny, two miles above Pittsburg. 



t 

PITTSBUHG. 123 

These establishments give employment to at least 500 
persons, and support, including managers, coopers, black- 
smiths, colliers, boilers, &c. and their families, from 10 
to 1200 souls. 

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTORIES, &C. 

Besides the manufactories heretofore noted, there are 
the following: 1 sickle maker, 3 brush makers, 7 hatters, 
2 dyers, 1 1 painters and glaziers, 1 1 plasterers, 12 coo- 
pers, 44 tailors, 8 bakers, 4 confectioners, 1 organ ma- 
ker, 1 button maker, 2 saddle-tree makers and platers, 2 
chemists, 5 chandlers, 1 co(nb maker, 2 reed makers, 4 
turners in Wood, 2 sash makers, 1 rigger, 2 bellows ma- 
kers, 3 pattern makers, 2 cutlers, and 1 tackle-block 
maker. Among the whole of these, 310 hands ar,e em- 
ployed, and the value of their work, per annum, is valued 
at 135,000 dollars. 

Japanning ~Uv. Whitehouse, in Kensington, carries 
on the japanning business, and has exhibited some very 
handsome specimens of his art on iron, tin, copper and 
wood. He also manufactures tea and bread trays of 
machee paper, some of which are very beautiful, and well 
deserving of public attention. 

JVew Cotton Manufactory.— We omitted, under the 
bead of " Cotton," to state that Mr. Robins6n, an English^ 
gentleman, will shortly commence the erection of a cot- 
ton manufactory on the west side of the Allegheny, im- 
-mediately below the bridge. 

Grand recapitulation of manufactures, $2,553,549* 
Total amount of imports, - - ,2,119,000 

Total amount of exports, - - 2,781,276 

ARSENAL. 

The United States's Arsenal is a perfect den of swind- 
lers, and wants a general overhauling. I saw but one 

'Amount in 1826. It has increased one-third since. 



124 PITTSBURG. 

man, Captain Butler, who deserves to be mentioned. The 
man who overlooked the workmen ran away as my car- 
riage drove up. One-half of the workmen were absent; 
and a horse turning a machine for one hand only, which 
was intended to employ several gun smiths. So goes 
Uncle Sam's money. The whole of this place ought to 
be broken up — it is a perfect cheat. 

There is a city for you, without a parallel in manufac- 
tures, in proportion to the inhabitants perhaps m the 

world. . J , . 

. I did not visit Birmingham, though I saw it. It being 
just over the river. • j i 

In my haste through the establishments, I omitted the 
cutting, engraving, &c. of the glass. Bakewell's being 
the principal, we shall only notice the process in his es- 
tablishment. 

His glassworks, occupy three immensely large build- 
ings, one where the blowing is performed, one used as a 
ware-house, in which the glass is put when finished, and 
one where the cutting is performed. The cutting is done 
as usual, first iron and sand, then with wood and a brush 
to polish it. 

The engraving is very neatly done, indeed, surpassing 
any I have seen in the country. This is done by means 
of a turning lathe, and a great number of small copper 
wheels are used, some of these wheels, are so small as 
scarcely to be perceived by the naked eye— a hole being 
in the centre of the wheel, a small spindle to fit it, being 
placed in the lathe, the spindle is thrust through the wheel, 
and after being rubbed with oil and emery, the engraver 
applies his foot to the step of the lathe, and the glass to 
the copper wheel— when he has finished one figure or 
point of the engraving, he takes off the wheel and puts on 
another, perhaps twenty before he has finished. 

The machinery of these lathes is very costly on ac- 
count of their exactness— some cost as high as fifty dol- 
lars, , The ware is also very high, $5 per tumbler. 

The patterns are mostly obtained from Europe, and the 
patterns executed while 1 was in, for beauty and taste was 
exquisite, particularly a grey-hound; it was lying dowa 



I>ITTSBU11G. 125 

with its head erect, as though it were looking earnestly 
at something, and thougji it was not an inch in length, it 
was perfect and entire, the ears, nose, and eyes were life 
itself 

They have introduced a new fashion of stamping fi- 
gures on the glass while it is warm, also moulding glass, 
which is done neatly in the same way metal is cast. I 
only visited Bakewell's and Robertson's — Mr. Robertson 
pursues the sanae way, and also engraves. He had some 
very handsome specimens of purple glass, and seems to 
vie with Bakewell & Co. in industry and skill in manufac- 
tory of white flint. But the quantity, variety, beauty and 
brilliancy of the endless piles of glass at Bakewell's, is 
the greatest show 1 ever saw. Every thing made of glass 
is found here— -and 1 would say, the patterns and clear- 
ness of the pieces, is equal, if not superior, to the Boston 
glass. It cannot be exceeded — one of the men who work- 
ed formerly at the Cambridge glass house, informed me, 
it was much superior in transparency and smoothness, 
but they did nbt make the pieces so thick as at Boston, 
to bear deeper cutting — herein,. he said, the Boston glass 
excelled. It is impossible, however, to decide wnthout 
comparing them both together— and the highest praise is 
alike due to both, and to say the least, both are an honor 
to our country. ^ 

I saw but iew of the proprietors of those numerous 
manufactories, viz, Messrs. JlPClurg^ Freeman and JUil- 
ler, one of the BakexcdVs. Mr. Gallagher, of one of the 
brass foundries, and the Messrs. Pattersons, copper foun- 
dries, two tinners, Adams of the Phoenix Cotton factory, 
?ind H. lloidship, Esq. one of the most enterprising and 
wealthy men in Pittsburg, and amongst the most worthy 
of her citizens. Besides liis extensive paper manufacto- 
ry, already noticed in Pittsburg, he has a large book- 
store and pain'ingand piinling manufactory, where paper 
is painted for rooms, windows, &:c. This estaWishmenl is 
very profitable and furnishes ^ great extent of country. 
But Mr. Holdship's Clinton paper mill, (of which E shall 
speak hereafter,) at Stubcnville, is said to be the best as 
welt as tiie most extensive in the United States. He is 
*11 i 



126 PITTSBURG. 

said to be immensely rich, and equalled in industry and 
application to business. This gentleman, an honor to his 
countiy, is of Ireland, though long a resident of the U. 
States. I certainly shall remember Mr. Holdship's kind- 
ness and hospitality, to my latest hour. Hearing I had 
(without knowing him from any other man,) visited his 
paper mill in Pittsburg, he very politely called on me, 
and his carriage and driver was at my service, during my 
visit to Pittsburg. This mark of respect, however, was 
general, as he makes it his peculiar care to attend to all 
strangers alike, and seems, if we except the Mayor and 
Mr. Echbaum, the only gentleman in Pittsburg; aware of 
this very acceptable point of ettiquet to a stranger. Be- 
loved and admired for his amiable manner, may he long 
be the pride oi Pittsburg. 

Not wishing to break in upon the manufactories; I now 
advert to the beautiful seat of Hon. James S. Stevenson, 
member of congress, on the bank of the smooth flowing 
Allegheny — this is the most delightful spot in Pittsburg 
or its vicinity. His house stands on an even plain at the 
extremity of the city, back from the street, upon a smooth 
lawn. I was on my way to the Phoenix factory, and being 
struck with the singular beauty of the situation, I turned 
into the gate, I knocked at the door, which was opened 
by a very genteel servant, who very politely invited me 
to walk in and be seated. 

I soon learned from him the name of the proprietor, 
who was then absent at Washington city attending to bis 
duties, or at least on his way thither. Mr. S. being a single 
man, there was no one about the house but servants. See- 
ing 1 was attracted by the interior, particularly the 
paintings, the servant with all the politeness of a courtier, 
took me through the house, the whole being furnished, 
with much taste and elegance. I merely suppose the mas- 
ter must be a gentleman from the deportment of his ser- 
vant, there being no better criterion to judge of a man 
than the quality of his servants.* A man who has any res- 

* I had the pleasure of seeing Hon. J. Stevenson since at Washing- 
ton city, and found my surprise confirmed by the elegance of his man- 
ners, and his gentleman-like deportment, and though a batchelor, is 
q[]i]ite a young man. 



PITTS BUUG. 127 

pect for himself will not have an insolent servant about 
his house. The hand of taste was also visible in the de- 
coration of his gardens and lawns — nothing could equal 
the beauty of the trees which shaded the mansion. 

I mentioned the circumstance upon my return and ap- 
plauded Mr. S. for choosing to live a batchelor, "as the 
women are so much in love with the priests^ tracts, and 
missionaries now-a-days, that they were unworthy of any 
man of taste or merit," "Oh," said the ladies who were 
present, "it is really a shame for Mr. S. so well fixed as 
he is, to live single, it is really a shame." Good, let them 
take warning and not run after the black-coats. I must 
say, I give Mr. S. much credit for his good taste and wise 
resolution; it does him much honor, and hope that every 
one of those missionary madams may die old maids. 

Who would have such females but a missioaary, and 
even a missionary would not. 

From the same reason, I omitted to notice the view 
from the Phoenix Cotton factory. There are two large 
buildings occupied by the factory, one of these is a most 
splendid building, is adorned by a lofty cupola, from the 
top of which you have a grand view of the beautiful Al- 
legheny, the surrounding hills, and the adjacent villages, 
are all seen at once, every variety of smooth streams, 
wild woods, steep precipices, and fairy mountains — 
one of the most splendid displays of scenery to be met 
with. 

Mr. Adams, the only, proprietor I saw of the factory, 
appears to be a very amiable and interesting man. 

The Rolling mill of Dr. Shoenberger, already mention- 
ed, stands near the Phoenix factory, and though I had not 
the pleasure of seeing the Dr I found his manager, Mr. 
Blake, a very gentlemanly man and very communicative. 

On this tour I also met with Mr. David Agnew, a ve- 
ry pleasant and quite young, with an oval face, open s:ay 
tountenance and fair complexion. 

I ought to have noticed the White Lead manufactory 
•f Hon. J. Stevenson — I was told they would not sutfer 
any one to enter the enclosure where it is made, but tound 
Bo difficulty whatever, the men very readily admitted. 



128 [fittsburg. 

me, but the process is so complicated, that I could not 
understand sufficiently to give an accuiate description; 
and the principal process i» kept a secret. Mr. Steven- 
son has also, recently established a manufactory fabricat- 
ed of iron, and said to be very important, conducted, by 
an Eng-lishman. My curiosity being awakened, from being 
told strangers were not admitted, that I made the attempt 
on my way to Di'. S's rolling mill. But my efforts were 
fruitless. I found the building just out of the hands of (he 
carpenters, the door was opcaed by a very stupid boy, 
and foudd myself in a pent up narrow passage, which en- 
circle«J another litteral house, inside of the other, 1 was 
met at the door by the mysterious mechanic, who saluted 
rather friendly, but with an air of great mystery and to 
come to the pointy is the greatest fool in Pittsburg, to be a 
wise mao. The poor ignoramus asked me, (orwould 
have done so, had 1 tarried long enougii,) an hundred 
questions, as it was, he only asked me about ninety- 
nine; and were I to judge, exclusively of his necromaiicy, 
which doubtless he prolesses, 1 should tiiink we had as 
wise men on this side of the water; and what effectually 
set me against him, was his gross blarotry. He set in for 
a two hours siege, at legist, to convince me that every 
body did not think alike on Christianity, that the sun shone 
on fair days, and such like sage remarks. I soon discov- 
ered his weak side; but he 'was. strong enough to keepmc 
from seeing any j)art of the machinery of the migiity 
mystery, which seemed to be enclosed in this house with- 
in a house, and now I think of it — it would be well enough 
to make search there for Morgan; one to ten, these wily 
Free Masous, have hugger muggered him in there, and 
clapped this Mr. Moonshine to watch him. I would advise 
my Ann Mason friends to search there, for I can assure 
tbsm there is something in the wind, or this house woukl 
not have arose iii the night. 

Perhaps Hon. S. has some distressed damsel confined 
there; at all events, I think it would be well enougti to 
have the matter investigated; we will have no secrets or 
secret holes and concerns in our country, particularly un- 
der the control of foreigners, and for ought I know, for- 



PITTSBURG. 129 

eign courts. If I had had time, I should have had this son 
of wisdom arrested and sent back to whence he came, 
to try him as a socerer, conjurer, wizzard, &c. &c. and 
have turned out ihe fair daaisel, should there have been 
one confined there. 

Though not in the course of time, while speaking of 
Pittsburg, I have to notice the polite attention of two gen- 
tlemen of the city, who not having done so before, caiif d 
on me after I returced from an excursion to Steubenville, 
Ohio, and Wheeling", Va. I mean Dr. S. R. Holms and 
S. Merrit, Esq. These gentlemen, on the evening pre- 
ceding my departure from Pittsburg, upon my return to 
Washington, hearing I was about to leave the city finally, 
called on me at Mr Ramsay's tavern where I put up, and 
though the last to pay their respects, were not the least 
interesting gentlemen in Pittsburg — with warm hearts and 
the manners of gentlemen, each rank high in their respec- 
tive professions, and appear to be worthy the patronage 
of all good men. May they go on and prosper. 

I was also much gratified to meet with Mr. John S. 
Riddle, with whom I had the pleasure of travelling, some 
time back, in New York, when making the fashionable 
tour; he was accompanied by two handsome young ladies. 
I did not see the young ladies, and upon enquiry, regret 
to hear they are still single — a great want of taste in the 
young gentlemen, as they were quite interesting females. 
Mr. R. is a gentleman (a commission merchant in Pitts- 
burg,) of much elegance both in person and manners. 

WESTEEN PENITENTIARY. 

Before adverting to the history of Pittsburg, I notice 
the Penitentiary — superior to any building (as lo archi- 
tecture and convenience,) of the sort in the United States. 
It is in the town of Allegheny, which is just over the Al- 
legheny river, in sight and occupies a rising ground, which 
overlooks Pittsburg and its noble rivers, with an exten*. 
sive view of the surrounding country. Tins building is 
of dark free stone, in the form of a hexagon, with lour 
lofty towers, exclusive of which the building is three st4- 



130 PITTSBURG. 

ries high besides the basement; it covers three acres oil 
'ground, is one hundred and fifty feet front, thirty-one feetj 
back, whole length of the wall, including the fi'oat buildn 
ing twelve hundred feet in extent, and conlains 190 cells, 
8 by 6 feet, and 8 in height. It cost $185000, and is be- 
yond question, the finest piece of masonry m the United 
States. Every part of the interior is like a palace, the 
cells were very neat, though I think without fire. A 
beautiful fountain flows in the yard, vyhich is hand- 
somely ornamented with parterres and gravel walks. — 
There were only torty prisoners, two of whom, were 
black women The sub-keeper Mr. Cockrao, only v/as, 
present, and very politely attended me round the building. 
And who would you suppose is head ke«;pei over tliosej 
unfortunates, who, let their crimes be what they may, are 
still men, no more nor less than a bighly charged blue-j 
stocking, and his wife the same; be was not there, though 
he receives a high salary for his services; doubtless he 
was scattering tracts, and scattering poverty and slavery 
through the country. I have no patience with what is 
called the fJw^Zis/i population of Pennsylvania. The great- 
est dupes in the world, to put these black coats in a'place 
of all others, that require humanity; I wculd much raihei 
appoint a he and she tyger, as they would put an end to 
the woes of these unfortunate men at once. The savage 
monsters who never breathed a warm breath of humani- 
ty, look at their savage countenance; are they fit to be 
trusted with power over human beings.? This barbarous 
female, I saw there, had the most ferocious aspect of the 
missionary tribe; how they served me, ought to opeoi 
the people's eyes: and at this moment they are forging and| 
propagating all manner of falsehood and slander agamst 
me, see the papers, the gospel papers, the vipers, is thatj 
religion.'' It is hoped the honest humane Germans next| 
legislature will banish these wolves from a place thati 
ought ever to be under the super-intendence of humanity.! 
Let them put in a good lionest German, who treats everyi 
thing that has life, with generous and kind u.sage, ex-i 
tends plenty and mildn- ss to the whole brute creation; 
these are the men to place in your prisons and jjoor iiousesj 



rrrTsiiUKCi. 131 

V pu need never be afraid they will run after tracts pr starve 
he prisoners. 

HISTORY. 

The history of Pittsburg is distinguished by some of 
he most important events connected with the history of 
»ur country. 

It will be recollected that from the time North Ameri- 

a was discovered ty Sebastian Cabot, until the visit of 

Lmericus Vespucius, it was called JVewfoundland. It 

ben took the name America, until Sir Walter Raleigh, 

slanted a colony on the Virginia shore, when the whole 

puntry took the name of Virginia. 

; From this period until the end of Braddock's war in 

fiQS, the French were either in possession or actually 

liid claim to all that extent of country from Hudson bay 

n the north, to the gulf of Mexico on the south!! This 

j'ar, however, stript them of all Canada ! great part of 

iouisiana, and the place now called Pittsburg. The first 

element of Pittsburg was about the year 1753 by the 

Tench, who built a fort there and called it Furt Du 

,uesne, which they held five years. 

At the end of this time Gen. Forbes, the hero of Bloody 

un, was sent by the English to destroy it. The general 

)t thinking it ijecessaiy to march his whole army against 

» small a place, sent the famous Col. Grant with 800* 

coich Highlanders to destroy it. 

The colonel arrived with his men one evening upon the 

ip of the hill which bears bis name, fully determined to 

ke posst.ssion of the tort the next mornino-. 

In the nicantjme, he ojdered the reveille, a poor evi- 

2nce of his colonelship in a savage warfare, the conse- 

icnce was what might be expected, the French and In- 

aus being aoc-uainted with the ground, issued from the 

Tt and ascendii.g the hills in his rear, fell on l)im sud- 

inly, and killed the most of his men, and took him pri- 

•nier. Gen. Forbes hearing tiie fate of Col. G. hastened 

the spot, but found the fort abandoned. He took pos- 

:ssi6nof it and built another fort of more strength, and 



13^ PITTSBURG. 

called it Fort Pitt, in honor of Pitt, Earl of Chatham. At 
length it took the name of Pittsburg. 
I recollect well when it went by the name of Fort Pitt. 
Shortly after the British took possession of the place 
the Indian traders built a row of houses on the bank of 
the Allegheny, but being too near the margin, they were 
underminded by the river in time, and fell in, and no ves- 
tage of them remains. There are still, however, to be 
seen the remains of a magazine in Pittsburg, which with 
the fort, are said to have cost the British government 
60.000 pounds sterling. There are also remains of the 
fort, both of which were built, (says the historian,) by 
Lord Stanwin. 

About the year 1760, a small town was built near Fort 
Pitt, wliich was peopled by about two hundred souls, 
but the Indian war breaking out in 1763, the inhabilaiits 
were compelled to fly to the foit, where they were bli ck- 
aded by the Indians, and must have perislud, had they 
not been relieved by Col. Bonquet and Capt. Barret. 

The settlement, however, waged a long and tierce war 
with the Indians after this, and suffered many privations. 
Finally, Fort Pitt became a manor of the Penn family, 
and Pittsburg was laid out into a town. It imp.-oved slow- 
ly however, until the year 1793, since which it has in- 
creased in wealth, commerce, and manufactures, almost 
beyond a parallel, and is said to have been, some years 
back, the seat of much taste, learning, and talent. But 
since the reign of terror or Presbyterian tyranny rather, 
every thing learned, dignified, or manly, has fallen before 
those all-devouring monsters! It was to be so! this will 
open the eyes of the people and teach them hereafter to 
be garded against priests of all sorts. It will teach them 
wliat they ought to have learned from history, that the 
clergy have always been foes to liberty, as to the tenets o!r 
pieiy of any of them, I neither meddle with nor care for. 
I would trust none of them with power — since I have 
been writing this article, I have heard the pleasing news 
that my favorite state, and not only my favorite state, 
(Penijsylvania,) but my favorite county of Lancaster, has 
begun the glorious work of putting those enemies of man- 



PITTSBURG. 133 

kind down. They are precisely pursuing the measures 
I have for sometime sug;gested to the public, that of hold- 
ing meetings, and entering into resolutions to discounten- 
ance and discard those wolves in sheep's clothing from 
society. The measure is highly honorable to this noble 
state, firm, steady, and united, she will soon succeed in 
forcing them to become honest men or quit the country. 
Pennsylvania will receive the applause of succeeding ages 
tor the manly ground she has taken in defence of our civil 
and religious liberty, which is truly and really in danger 
from those hypocrits, as it once was under the British 
government, which I would by a long way prefer to a re- 
ligious government. Little doubt but the noble example 
of Pennsylvania, will be followed by other slates, 1 see 
the resolutions of Lancaster and Berks, are spreading 
over the whole country. Glory to the independent Ger- 
mans, these are the ignorant Dutch — did I not say they 
were the glory and strength of Pennsylvania.'' Success to 
them, but it is to their legislature they must look, and use 
all means to keep those enemies out of their state coun- 
sels. Their safety lies in making judicious elections. — 
Those abominable deceivers have been inadvertently suf- 
fered to creep into their legislatures, by which means 
they have got hold of all the seminaries of learning in the 
state, excepting the Bethlehem schools, by which means, 
learning is annihilated in the Pa. I cannot blame the 
people foV what has been done, as these wolves in dis- 
guise would have deceived Solomon. But now thpy have 
pulled off the mask, let them be banished from every 
seminary. I feel proud of the Germans for their manly 
independence — and they will find a mass of information 
I deposited in the hands of the school committee, of their 
legislature last winter, that thev cannot alter their sys- 
tem of education too soon; let them establish high, schools, 
or some uniform system by law, and exclude from them 
the clergy. 

I would, while on this subject, guard my country from 

another enemy m disguise, a Norih Carolina paper says, 

"Let us drop those parts in our declaration of , iiit)ppen- 

•ience wincii only tend to hurt the tieelings of our friends 

IS— Vol. II. 



134 PlTTSliUUG'. 

over the water,'' or words to the same amount. This maOj 
be him who he may, is a traitor to his country, doubtless 
an Englishman. The words he alludes to, can otTend no 
honest Briton, though it may tend to throw us off our 
guard against thuse spies that overrun our country, »mug^ 
glers and book merchants. These it may offend, and our 
domestic traitors, but no friend to our laws and liberty, 
can take offence at one syllable in the declaration — no one 
respects an honest foreigner more than I do, an English 
gentleman particularly, nor is it those who make the re- 
quest, they bave too much honor to do so. I hope my 
countrymen, however, will guard against all her enemies, 
whether foreign or domestic. 

I had not intended to extend my travels west, farther 
than Pittsburg, but my Carlisle letter, made such a noise 
throughout the state, and revived the hopes of the iew 
friends of liberty in Pittsburg, that they tinding I struck 
terror into those blue-stockings, they pursuaded me to 
go and blow up the colleges of Cannonsburg and Wash- 
ington. 

The description they gave me of the clerical tyranny 
of those places, was terrifying, but for the sake of doing 
good, I undertook the visit, and wishing to recover a 
M. S. which had been lost five years (letters from Ala- 
bama,) which I understood was at Steubenville, Ohio, and 
wishing also to see Wheeling, all in a circle, but above 
all this, I longed once more to feast my eyes with the 
beautiful Ohio. I took my passage in a steamboat to 
Steubenville, only a few hours sail, by which means my 
journey by land would be much shortened in my intended 
visit to Washington, Pa. and Cannonsburg. 

Accordingly, accompanied by Mr. Holdship, his daugh- 
ter, aiid a few others, I took a tem[)ornry leave of Pitts- 
burg, and set sail, nothing fearing the mighty Cannon 01 
Cannonsburg. 

The name of the boat, the Reindeer, Capt. Bennet, I 
shall ever remember Capt. Bennet. 

Having spent my early days in wilds untrod by polish- 
ed man, as h;:> would call himself I have often wonder- 
<»d why I should (Since mixing with the world,) be so C'if- 



OHIO RIVER. 135 

ferently received by people of the same country, same 
town, nay the same family, if co-partners of a boat be one, 
,now I am still but one and the same person, and they 
being more tlian one, the cause must lie between them to a 
certainty, for, did the cause lie with myself, (which I by no 
means wish to deny,) the conduct of these people towards 
me would be alike, thus 1 always reason with myself, and 
infer^ that these civilized men, are not all civilized— on 
the contrary, those who lay claitYi to the most, have the 
least of it and are a long way behind the savages in po- 
liteness and common civility. For instance, here are 
two men, co owners' of the Reindeer, one the most inter- 
esting of his sex, I mean Capt. Bennet, and the other a 
perfect wild beast, his looks made me shudder; if I re- 
collect his name was Crosby, a tall, gaunt, black gloomy, 
whose face never wore a smile, and whose countenance 
was vengeance, a blue stocking you are sure. I chided, 
(pointing to gloomy,) Capt. Bennet for uniting "with that 
man." 

OHIO RIVER. ^ 

>. , A number of steamboats were lying too at the sliore 
of the Monongahela, when we took passage, whose decks 
geemed alive with rough looking men,* The ladies' ca- 
bin being on the upper- deck, I stood on the portico to 
observe the motly crew which lay beneath, these upper- 
decks being much higher than the top of our largest boats 
in the east. They seemed to consist of degraded char- 
acters, (tbe effects of civilization to be sure,) and when 
we moved off from the shore, one fox-headed man put his 
head out of a window and addressing himself to me, said, 
"good by." The salutation was not returned of course, 
and aloft in air I waved my hand to my friends on shore, 
amongst whom 1 discovered the amiable Mr. Faris, whose 
soft beaming eye, methought was raised to Heaven for 
my safety, and insensible to every thing but the pleasure 
arising from hailing the queen of rivers!! We soon glided 

* This shore is pavjed with barrels for half a jnile.. 



136 OHIO KIVEll. 

by O'Hara's glass house, Anchutz's smoking salt-works, 
and hamlets on our left, cliffs, white bridges, to which 
the bridges in the east bear no comparison in beauty. — 
They are low, flat, and without paint, but to see a bridge 
up in the air, white as the unsylled snow, with its grace- 
ful bends, nearly a mile in length, added to the rounding 
slopes, swelling fields, pointed hills, smooth valley's curl- 
ing smoke, and three noble rivers, would inspire any one 
with delight. But for one who has been separated from 
a beloved object, to meet these again, and greet in soft 
and silent sighs; I gave myself away to unspeakable rap- 
ture. All hail to thee thou beauteous river! Thy beau- 
ties are truly great, and must forever please. So peace- 
ful, so swift, yet smooth and still, my longing soul once 
more embrace thee. Heedless of thy matchless beauty, 
long mayest thou roll in defying pride, and may Adeona,* 
forevei preside over thy limpid bosom. 

The lofty trees on my right, soon caught my eye — the 
ridi alluvial bottoms, but it is vain to pourtray the surpass- 
ing beaufeliof this unyielding country, to understand it, it 
must be seen. When I used to stray on the shady banks 
of this beautiful river, I was insensible of its superior 
charms, nor is it in the power of any one to appreciate 
its beauties, who has seen no other .f 

The left shore of the river presented a rich soil, and 
some handsohie farms, but on the right, was distinguished 
by a rugged mountain, which drew close to the river, a 
road however, has been cut on the margin through rocks, 
and cliffs, over which we saw numbers of wagons tot- 



* Godess of voyages. 

1 1 have been much gratified to hear that Hon.E. Everett, has taken 
a tour through the western country. To a gentleman of his taste and 
refinement, the tour must have been highly pleasing, nor was I less 
pleased to fiud his just and liberal remarks on a country sodear to me. 
But if Mr. E. found so much to admire in the soil, rivers and improve- 
ments of the western country, what must have been his feelings to- 
wards its generous and high-minded sops, who received him to their 
bosoms, and paid to him those honors he so justly merits. 1 am proud 
of my country, I am proud of Nashville, I am proud of the Yankees, 
each find I have not mis-represented either, and what is singular, of 
all towns, Boston and ISashvillc have been my ablest patrons. 



OHIO lavER. 137 

tering along; now and then a hamlet, and sometimes a 
man,' other times a woman trudging on loot towards 
Pittsburg. 

We do not meet steamboats so often as on the Hudson, 
but the season of running was nearly over. When a per- 
son wishes to land in the eastern couHtry from the steam- 
boats, it is proclaimed aloud by the porters; for instance 
•when drawing near the place wliere any one is to land, 
the porters cry aloud, "Poughkeepsie baggage, Fishkili 
baggage," or as the case may be — the passengers then 
stand forth and point out their baggage, and the moment the 
boat stops the baggage is first taken out then the passen^ 
gers descend from the boat, the captain in the meantime 
\ standing at the gang-way; when all have landed^ the cap- 
tain a§ks aloud, "all ashore," one of the porters answer, 
"all ashore," then, and not' uniil this proclamation, the 
captain again speaks aloud to those who take passage 
from this place, "come aboard;" when they.^yith their 
baggage are all on board, the captain again speakS, "all 
aboard," "all aboard." This is the business of a minute, 
and were it not for their despatch, boats would be for- • 
evsr detanied. 

But this business, (at least on the Reindeer,) is nego- 
ciatefi privately between the parties in this country, and 
the first you know of a passenger landing, is the boat 
drawing up to the shore. 

Towards dark we passed a beautiful village called 
•ATsio Economy. I should have been pleased to have call- 
ed there, from the character 1 had received of the place. 
i This place is settlf^d by a society, vVho have every thing 
> in common, all work, and all come in for an equal share 
,. of the profits, so says report; some speak well of the so- 
ciety, and others say they practice deceit and cunning, 
and first allures people to join them, and'then cheat them 
, out of any j)roperty they may have owned at tlie tiine of, 
., joining, and defiaud them out of th.eir labour. Others say 
> they are a mild, humane^ honest, industrious and sober 
people, and disperse kindness and liospitality to all around 
thera. Mr. Holdship was amongst the number who spok« 
*12 



138 OHIO RIVER. ' 

favorably of the society, whose word alone is a sufficient 
refutation of the slanderous reports respecting the society. 
' But facts speak for themselves; the appearance of the 
village is the best evidence in its favor. They cannot be 
bad members of society, who are industrious and sober. 
Here is a neat new village consisting of elegant brick 
houses, which appears to have sprung up in one night. 
A handsome church, and a large cotton steam factory of 
one thousand spindles; a woollen factory, and various other 
manufactories are carried on here. People who evince 
such marks of industry and improvement, cannot deserve 
the name bestowed on them by their enemies, who are 
doubtless, the black-coats, who are only sorry they can- 
not finger the proceeds of their labor. It is an eternal 
slur on America, that this many mouthed monster — reli- 
. gious tyranny has been suffered to grow up amongst us, 
until, it threatens to swallow those who have fled it. Peo- 
ple ^j^f' America, Aiyill you not be wise? These few Ger- 
mans, (I think they are,) cannotinhabit their littlespot and 
eat* the labor of their own hands in peace. 
' We were shortly after passing Economy, called to tea, 
which was well served up in neat china, by very atten- 
tive waiters. I ought to have mentioned dining, as we took 
dinner on board, and in both instances my friend Captain 
Bennet^ paid to me that attention which you never re- 
ceive from any other than a gentleman. The Reindeer 
makes her trip to Louisville in two days, if I am not mis- 
taken. Fare for cabin pass^^'iigers $18. Deck passengers 
^5. Cabin passengers are -tbund of course. Deck passen- 
gers find themselves; and men and women are confined to 
the same place. 

Perfect order appears to be maintained, and the engin- 
eers are modest and respectful in their behaviour. 

All I can say of the boat, is that its machinery differs 
in every respect from the low pressure boats, and takes 
up a great deal more ^room. The boilers being in one place 
and the engine in another, and the greatest part of the en- 
gine lies flat upoiQ the floor, neither are enclosed as those 
are eastwardly; and the boilers instead of occupying the 
center, are aft at the extremity of the boat. 1 should only 



STEUBEN VILLE. 139 

Raise a laugh to attempt a description of the machinery, 
as I do not know the name of a single particle about it- 
wish Walsh was here,or the Pink, orsomeother wise head, 
we might make it out between us. 

STEUBENVILLE, OHIO. 

It waa quite late, nearly 12 o'clock when we arrived 
at Steubenville, sixty miles from Pittsburg by water, thir- 
ty-eight by land. And on the bank of Ohio, I took leave 
of the noble Captain Bennet, who would not receive one 
cent for my fare, this certainly does honor to the man, 
and still more to my country. Very few passengers were 
in the Reindeer, it being late getting under way, the pas- 
sengers had taken another boat. 

■ Mr. H. who first disposed of his daughter at a friend's, 
t^ok me to Mr Dorhman's tavern, and from that moment 
until I left Steubenville, I never found myself more at 
home. 

Mr. Holdship having an extensive manufactory at this 
place, Miss Holdship merely took an excursion with her 
father, and while he attends to his concern Miss H. amuses 
herself with those sprightly Yankees; while the wind 
blows the smoke out of her eyes. Then she returns vvith 
her father to Pittsburg. This young lady, (for she is very 
young,) I should have esteemed for the sake of her father 
and brother, whom I had. associated with during my visit 
in, Pittsburg, but'^much more from the sweetness of her 
manners, and the modesty of her attire and conversation. 
Her only fault, if it be one in a young lady, was her dif- 
fidence; and though doubtless, the greatest ornament of 
the sex, it deprived me of much anticipated pleasure. 
This modesty is peculiar to Mr. Holdship's family, his 
son, who is also a partner, is one of the most interesting 
young men in Pittsburg. 

Steubenville is a handsome town, the metropolis of Jef- 
ferson county, and very flourishing It is like Pittsburg 
the seat of industry and enterprise and contains several 
•very extensive manufactories. It i^its on a "beautiful pigin 
surrounded on all sides by an unbroken eminence, which 



140 STEUBENVILLE. 

runs up to the river above and below the town forming a 
semicircle. The plain on which the town is built, is a 
black loam; most of the houses are of wood, though those 
on the principal street as well as the great factories are 
fine brick buildings. ' / ^ 

It is regularly laid out, the streets crossing at right an- 
gles. 

It contains a court-house, )ail, a bank, town-liouse, 
market house, four churches, two cotton manufactories, 
a paper manufactory, a woollen manufactory, and several 
air foundries, three thousand inhabitants. The greatest 
paper manufactory in the western country, is said to be in 
Steubenvilie But 1 should say it was superior to any ei- 
ther east or wesl, it certainly is superior to any 1 have 
seen, (and I have visited all the principal,) in the excel- 
lence of the machinery and quantity manufactured, from 
the coarsest, down to fine bank note paper, it far exceeds 
any thing of the sortin Pittsburg, or in the eastern states, 
the machinery particularly. The vats, all of copper, are 
the largest, and the whole of the establishment displays a 
degree of skill, neatness and industry, unrivalled. The 
engine is tliirty horse power; thf^ building is 150 by 35 
feet. Capital |38,000. The name of the establishment 
is the '■'■Clinton Paper MiiV The following is'an extract 
of a letter from the bank note engravers in Philadelphia 
to a gentleman in Steubenvilie. 

"The paper is of good quality, and we have no doubt 
will wear well; it is similar to some we printed sometime 
ago for the bank of Pittsburg. From the competition which 
exists in this neighborhood, considerabte improvement,has 
been made in the manufacture of ihe article. We inclose 
a half sheet of a kind which has been esteemed the best 
by many banks in this quarter of the country. We, how- 
ever, do not think it better than that made at the Clinton 
mill — the latter affording a very gratifying evi<lence o( 
the gi{-at improvement made by Ohio in the manufacture 
«f paper." M 

I brought away a sheet of the bank note paper, the firs^ 
I ever saw, anrl the first time 1 knew that bank note pa- 
per was manufactured in our part of the country. Tl^e 



I 



STUBENVILLE. 141 

sheet is deposited in the national library, (looks better 
than Sunday school union books.) 

In short Steubenville is taking a pattern by Pittsburg, 
and promises to come in for a share, (jind no small one,) 
of the renown acquired by that enterprising city. 

Coal, iron and water abound here, as well as in Pitts- 
burg, and the fogs of smoke and hammers and wheels, 
black faced inen and boys, rush of business, the same 
steady independence of our first judges and statesmen. 
Steubenville will soon be one entire workshop. 

These manufactories are forced upon both these town 
from the endless masses of coal and iron. It would be 
criminal in them to refuse those vast sources of wealth, 
when thrust in their faces; the whole country both on this 
side and Virginia shore, is one mass of coal, ihe best in 
the union. I have seen no wood burned except for cook- 
ing since I left Philadelphia. 

Besides the Clinton factory, there are two large cot- 
ton factories, two foundries, and the first woollen manu- 
factory, beyond doubt, in the United States. The cotton 
manufactories^ are propelled by steam, the buildings are 
large and extensive, and conducted by industrious enter- 
prising men; one of these was just going into operation, the 
building one of the finest in the western country. Capital 
vested in all the cotton factories, $55,000. 

Capital in air foundries. ^20,000. 

In steam flour mills, ^^20,000. 

Nearly one third of the population are employed in 
those manufactories. But the woollen manufactory as- 
tonished me, being greatly superior to any I have seen in 
the United States. In the first place there is, 

One building fronting on Market-sreet, 110 by 85 feet, 
four stories high: in the rear of this building and with the 
end adjoining, is a two story brick building 35 by 30 feet. 
East of these buildings, and about 40 feet distant, is a 
brick building with the end resting on Market-street, 100 
by 35 feet, three stories high. In addition to these, there 
is one frame building for a clothery house, one brick and 
two frame buildings for woolery houses, and a brick age*; 
house. 



142 STEUr.ENVILLE. 

The capital invested in leal estate, building, machine- 
ry, &c, is pstimated at ^5 100,000. The manufactory gives 
ejnploymeiit to about one hundred hands, nuuiufactures 
,40,000 lbs. of wool annually into about 16,000 yards of 
broad cloth, a considerable quantity of cassimers, pelise 
cloths, flannels, &c. &c. 

All the wool used is of American growth, the principal 
part raised within a compass of sixty miles around Steu- 
benville; and the greater part of the finest wool is furnish- 
ed from the flocks of the owners of the factory, Mr. 
Weils, Mr. Dickinson, and from the flocks of Messrs. A, 
and J. M' Do well. 

The quantity of wool purchased, always far exceeds 
the quantity manufactured: the surplus, raising in ditFer- 
ent years from 30 to 45,000 lbs. is made up of the middle 
and lower grades and sent to Boston for sale. 

In the spring of 1829, an increase of machinery is con- 
templated, by which the business of the manufactory will 
be increased one half or three-fourths. 

Tht: cloth manufactured here, is the finest I have seen 
at any factory, by a long way; I certainly am not a judge, 
but should say it is little inferior to imported broadcloths. 

But I never saw a comparison for the flannels, they are 
as soft to the touch as cotton or silk, and come high. — 
Thiere is nothing like these flannels made in our country, 
and well they may, as the wool (a sample of which I now 
have in my possession,) is as fine as r-ilk. This wool is the 
growth of the enterprising and indefatigable owners, 
Messrs. Boyle, Wells, and Dickinson, who rear the sheep. 
These gentlemen own 8,000 sheep, and it is a well at- 
tested and singular fact that 1 hey have improved the ori- 
ginal imported breed. Mr. Dickinson, the only one of 
the proprietors I saw, is an actual shepherd, and spends 
most of his time with his sheep. Mr. D. is a Virginian, 
a gentleman of learning and wealth, but has by habit be- 
come so much attached to his sheep and they to him, that 
they cannot live asunder — they knowing him irom any 
other person, and will follow him any where and every 
where. 



STEUfiNVlLLE. 143 

ft is owing to this that he has become complete master 
of the art of rearing fine sheep. He has various kinds, 
and so acute is his discernment that the moment he sees 
one of his sheep he can tell of what kind it is, at what 
time imported, &c. He often takes them several miles 
from Steubenville, and very often changes their pastures. 
He informed me that, though he had had some of them 
several years, bo such thing as rot, or disorder of any 
kind, was ever yet amongst them. From this it appears 
that Ohio is favorable to the growing of sheep. 

He imported Columbus^ a fine male sheep, from Spain, 
at 1000 dollars; and Bolivar, the son of Columbus, was 
the rheep that obtained the premium, two years since, at 
Baltimore. I saw the silver cup awarded to Mr. Dick- 
inson; it is very handsomely enpraved, and valued at 
100 dollars. Bolivar was carried to Baltimore in the 
stage over the mountains to be sheared, and produced 
the finest and heaviest fleece at the show, of all their 
Saxony and fine ]S;larinoes. 

This must have been highly gratifying to the young 
State of Ohio, but peculiarly so to Messrs. Wells & Dick- 
inson. 1 have deposited a sample of the wool of both 
sheep in Congress Library It is not so long as the Sax- 
ony wool, but much finer. These gentlemen say it is the 
better for making broad cloth. 

Besides this mammoth establishment, Mr. Wells owns 
a copperas manufactory, wear Steubenville where he 
makes 160 tons per yea , superior \o any imported. It 
sells for 3 cents per pound — capital 15,000 dollars. 

Two other copperas pianufactories are established 
within a few miles of the: town. There are various arti- 
cles manufactured in Steubenville, all in a flourishing 
condition. 

S'.eubenviile is an incorporated town, with a President, 
Recorder, and seven Trusiees, and from its situation da 
the Ohio, the industry and enterprise of its inhabitants, 
the fertility of the burrounding soil, promises to become 
a wealthy prospevous town. 

The citizens differ very little from the well informed 
Pennsylvanians, equally liberal and afiable in their roan 



144 STEUBENVILLE. 

ners; and many of them are gentlemen of the highest 
literary attainments. Hon.* John C Wright, late member 
of Congress, Hon Jojin M Goodenow^^ of Cod- 

g> ess elect, Hon. Judge J. li. Halcock, Hon. Judge 
Ja nes Wilson, Hon. Judge Tappen, and many other 
highly respectable men, have their residence in Steuben- 
ville Messrs. Wells, Dickinson & Co. I have mentioq- 
ed: but the moat singular character in Steubenville is 
Mr. Neef, a teacher of the famous Pestalozian System. 

Early on ihe day that succeeded my arrival, I address- 
ed a note to the Hon. J. M. Goodenow, with whom I 
had business In a very few minutes Mr. Goodenow ar- 
rived, and having often heard of each other, and had ex- 
changed a few letters, we had formed a mutual and fa- 
vorable opinion. On my part, I must say, Mr, G. rather 
exceeded the high exalted opinion I had formed of his 
politeness and generosity, and the factories being some 
distance from the tavern, he ordered a carriage and at- 
tended me to them all, which took up nearly the day; 
nor did he stop at this. His whole time was devoted to 
me while 1 remained in the town. Such men are an or- 
nament to any town or district they may honor with their 
residence. Politen^'ss to strangers is the true character- 
istic of a gentleman. Mr. G/'is a tall, slender man, and 
finely made. His a-ait is elastic and genteel; and his de- 
povtment manly, affable and gay; his features are good, 
and his countenance open and pleasing; his complexion 
is rather dark, and his eye small, keen, and searching, 
and I am muoh mistatcen if he does not bring much talent 
and information with him to Congress.* He is married 

* Sinc9 I had the pleasure to see this gentleman, 1 have seen the 
ablest, best illustration cf ma.sonry I have hitherto witnessed, con- 
tam-^J in his address before Steubenville L dgc, No. 46. VJr. G. ap- 
pears to have attained tjie inghest honors of ma«oni-ji and the intro- 
duction, address, and ihe vindicatioii of masonrj, which follows the 
address, are ritteu in a masterly style. The. closeness of argument 
and soundness of reasoning with respect to the Morgan affair, (tc 
which he adverts,) is upunswerable. 

'■ If Morgan wos killed, as it is stated," says Mr. G. "why was his 
book not destroyed? And if ihey, (the anti-masons,) have the secrets 
of masonry, why are they not satisfied with the great discovery." 



BTEUBENVILLE. 145 

to the sister of the Hon. J. C. Wright, all Yankees. 
Mrs. G. and her brother are from Wethersfield, Conn, 
famous for its onions, and mentioned in the Bleck Book. 
1 do not recollect the birth-place of Mr. G. but wherever 
it be, (some part of Connecticut,) she may be proud of 
her son. He has doubless decked masonry with a wreath 
that will bloom to the end of time. 

Mr. Wright was absent at Washington. He and Mr. 
Goodenow are opposed in politics — the first being an 
Adams man, and the latter for Gen. Jackson. 

Hon. J. M. Goodenow is by profession a lawyer, and 
lives in elegant style. I think he has no son, but has two 
very accomplished daughters, for their years, being quite 
young. The eldest was educated in Boston; of course, 
she has acquired all the graces of fashion and manners. 
She is a very pretty small girl, sings and plays well, and 
is in full possession of those fascinations common to Bos- 
ton ladies. 

It is needless to add that T might have spent my time, 
during my visit, at the house of Mr. G.* 

Mrs. Goodenow is a tall, accomplished female, but of 
delicate health. Her and I had a great laugh about the 
Jonathans and the onions. 

Unfortunately severat of the distinguished citizens 
were absent. I saw neither the Hon. Mr. Hallock, R. 

And wisely and logically proves that the Morgan excitement is a 
struggle for religious and political power; and compares it to old age 
struggling to recal the beauty and innocence of youth: "But which," 
says Mr. G. '' every day removes you farther from your object, 
which lies beyond a stream you connot pass." 

Speaking of the principles of Masonry, among others, we find tke 
following: " Its obligations are hoiy, and impose by the four-fold tie 
of interest, friendship, character and conscience, a solemn duty to relieve, 
protect, defend, and sustain the female hoxisehold ofabrother. 

" Nor is this duty a sleepmg trust: it is warm and active, as thou- 
sands can testify " [I can for one — in its widest latitutude I have 
ever found them trotfcers.} _But the whole is alike brilliant aodmas- 
i terly, and by far the best illustration of masonry I ever saw, if we 
it except the writer's actions, both as a man, a mason, and a gentleman. 
His title is "P. G. M. of Grand Lodge of Ohio, K. M. K. T." &c. 

•Through his means I recovered a Biaauacript which had been lost, 
aa I thought, forever. 

13— Vol. 11. 



146 STEUliJENVlLLE. 

Marsh, Esq, H. H. S^ tt, and others, before mention- 
ed. Judge Tappan is a Yankee, and a distant relation of 
the famous Priest Tappan, of Augusta, Maine, but as 
different from him as oil from vinegar, or noonday from 
midnight. The first being one of the most liberal, intel- 
ligent, and exemplary men to be found in our society, 
and forms a shining contrast to Parson Tappan, described 
in the second volume of the Black Book. He is polite 
and friendly, rather a light figure, of middle age, and a 
thin, pale face. He is the friend and patron of the cele- 
brated Neef, of whom 1 shall soon speak. 

Benjamin Tappan, Esq. if I do not mistake, is a bro- 
ther of the Judge, and alike entitled to the confidence 
and esteem of the liberal and refined. Hon. James Wil- 
son was aUnost the first person who called to pay me his 
respects — he was the first but one. He edits a paper in 
Steubenville, called the Steubenville Gazette, an Adams' 
paper. It is somewhat surprising that, in every part of 
the United States, 1 maintain an unbroken, and it would 
seem, an indissoluble friendship with the tvyo great con- 
tending parties. This is regarded as astonishing by some, 
and wonderful by all ! And I must confess 1 am astonish-? 
ied myself to hold so distinguished a place in the confi. 
dence, esteem and respect of -two parties, in many in- 
stances at dagger's points.* Nor have I any recollec- 
tion when or how this extraordinary fact came to pass. 
It must surely be ascribed to the novelty of my unpolisb*- 
ed manners; and, perhaps, an indiscriminate manner of 
exposing faults. "* 

, I ffcft proud, therefore, at receiving homage at the 
same time from Goodenow and Judge Wilson, one on 
my right and the other on my left. 

The Judge was much pleased to see me, inasmuch a.s 
I was the friend of Mr. Duane, of Philadelphia, his for- 
mer friend and patron.f 

* I, must except the Judge of the Pumpkin court. 

1 1 find a note amongst my papers, which ought to have had a place 
in iY-p first volume of these travels, under the head of Philadelphia. 
It relatfis to Coi. Duane, and enumerates his literary and other avoca 
tious, viz. 

Editor of the Aurora from Oct. 1798, to Sept. 1822; wrote for it as 



STEUBENVILLl;. 147 

It appears he learned the printing business with Mr* 
Duane, and expresses the highest veneration for his vir- 
tues and his talents. Judge wilson is a man of great size, 
a tall, manly figure, wi*th a round full face, and fine, full 
hazle eye; his countenance is cheerful and pleasing, and 
his manners gay, candid, and friendly; he resembles the 
Pennsylvanians in hospitality and the plainness of his de- 
portment, and appears to be a man of general iniormation. 
His family, as well as that of Mr. Goodenow's, were 
well educated, which corresponded with what I was 
told, that there were not many missionaries in the place. 
He had three pretty little twin daughters, that is, born at 
one birth, of about ten years of age, which resembled 
each other so exactly they could not be told apart — t*>ey 
are stout and well grown. I think Congress ought to 
give them a section of land and provide them husbands 
also. Besides these gentlemen, Mr. Turnbull, a book-sel- 
ler, is a very liberal, gentleman-like man, and every way 
worthy of liberal patronage. In short, the society of 
Steiibenville is in considerable advance, and bids fair to 
rival the first towns on the Ohio. 

Besides Judge Wilson's paper, there is another pub- 
lished in Steubenville, by J. M. Laird, Esq. a very inter- 
esting young nisn. He supported the election of General 
Jackson. The paper is ably edited, and some do sup- 
pose that Mr. Goodenow is the writer of much of the 
editorial matter. This paper is called "The Steubenville 
Republican Ledger." Nor must 1 overlook my friend, 
G. A. Dohrman, of the tavern, a man who richly deserves 
the patronage of the public, on many accounts Mr. D. 
is a gentleman by education and descent, having sprung 
from a noble Spanish family, of great wealth. His fa- 
ther or grand father, I am not sure, was amongst the 

a volunteer, in 1797; Epitome of Science— school book; Military 
Dictionary, 2 vols. 8vo; Infantry Sytem, 1 vol.; Hand Book, 1 vol.; 
Cavalry System, 1 vol.; Treatise on the Staff of Armies; Visit to Co- 
lombia; Manoeuvres; Pamphlets, political and moral; Several works 
in manuscript; Treatise on Usury, &c.; Treatise on Political Econo- 
my; Geography of South America; Gazetteer of South America^ 
A Historical Sketch of the foundation and policy of Colonies, &c. 



148 STEUBEN VI LLE. 

number of those disinterested foreigners who, fired with 
the love of liberty, joined our troops in the revolutionary 
war, and served most of the time. , 

At the end of the war he received for his services a 
large portion of land:. but when his heirs came to take 
possession of the land, alter his decease, it was found not 
to be worth one cent! And after spending a large for- 
tune, and much hard service in defence of our liberty, 
his heirs were left to struggle with poverty ! Mr. D. 
however, is an enterprising, industrious man, and seems 
to be cheerful, independent, and happy; and as generous 
as a prince. I spent two days at his house, for which, 
and my stage-fare to Wheeling, he would not receive a 
cent , he being one of the proprietors. 

While Congress are granting relief to the revolutionary 
soldiers and their childreg, I should be pleased to hear 
they had remembered the children of this distinguished 
foreigner, particularly as it appears the country put a 
cheat upon him in the land. This is the country that 
says "We are so very, very honest and grateful." 

Mr. D. did not mention the subject to me himself— I 
had the particulars from Judge Wilson. 

So it appears, go where I will, I meet friends, except- 
ing one sect, of which I found two in Steubenville, by 
the name of Collier, I think a disgrace to the place. 

I also found a little trifling Yankee just from the sod, 
with a load of horn flints or wooden nutmegs,* I cannot 
tell which. He said he saw me at Dartmouth College. 
It appears that Mr. Jonathan is studying law — a hopeful 
lawyer he will make,fdoubtless. He came to the wrong 
place; and I advised him to stick to his old trade. 



• The Yankees, it appears, brought some wooden nutmegs into 
Pennsylvania, and an old German, who used to purchase of them an- 
nually, got sadly taken in towards the last. They brought him some 
mAde of maple, which being very hard to grate, the German exclaim- 
ed, (after exerting his strength in vain on the nutmeg,) " Dem dees 
Yankees da has chete me, da uze to pring de saf-woot<"nootmeg, put 
da mak urn zo hart now^me gant crate um no; naoreJ' 



ijl'EtJBENVlLLEi 149 



MR. NEEF. 

But the most extraordinary man I met with in my tour 
was Mr. Neef, of the school ot Pestalozzi. Mr. NeeF is 
pretty well advanced in age, perhaps fifty years, though 
he is very stouf and active. 

As this new system of education seems to be gaining 
ground in our country, it may gratify the public to learn 
a few particulars of. the man, and his mode of teaching; 
which differs from all others practised in our country; 
and appears to be the best hitherto discovered. Mr. j 
Neef is a native of Switzerland, though he spent some, 
time in France previous to his arrival in America, 

He mentions Pestalozzi as an old man of Bern, at the 
foot of the Alps, in Switzerland — a man of learning and 
observation; and after considering the vices, follies, and 
miseries of man, after some — many years reflection upon 
the subject, he concluded they must flow, in a great 
measure, if not altogether, from an improper education; 
and finally formed a plan of his own. And, after com- 
batting the prejudices of the world for many year.'*, he at 
length established a school in his own neighborhood, and 
Mr. Neef was one of his pupils. The fame of his sys- 
tem extending to France, he was solicited to send a per- 
son skilled in his system thither, and Mr. Neef was the 
man selected 

In 1805, Wm. McClure, Esq. of Philadelphia,, and 
Mr. C. Cabel, a brother of the ex-governor oi Virginia, 
being in Europe, happened to visit Pestalozzi,t saw his 
system and admired it. When Mr. McClure returned to 
France, he sought for Mr. Neef, and finally persuaded 
him to come to the United States, where he has remain- 
ed ever since. But as I was but a short time in his (com- 
pany, and had so many things to ask, I did not inquire 
what had been his success; nor was I long enough in his 
school to enable me to give a satisfactory detfinition of 
the routine pursued by him. 1 saw enough, however, t* 

i Pestalozzi was a member of the Helretic Consulta, 

*13 



150 STEUBEKVIllt^. 

perceive that the system differs from any extant, as the 
nrsf^ thing in other schools is the last in his, which is 
learning to read; nor does his system embrace our alpha- 
bet^or any alphabet whatever! and yet it is a system of 
complete education, and acquired in a very short time!! 

It has often struck me that the drudgeries imposed on 
children by delving at these letters, and a, b, ab's and' 
t, i, si's, &c, was h barbarous and round-a-bout way of 
acquiring knowledge, and as apt to make a foolish man 
pf ai wise child as a wise man of a foolish child; and since 
1 have witnessed with my eyes and ears that small chil- 
dren have acquired the most useful and ornamental parts 
of education, without knowing a letter of our alphabet, 
it proves the justness of the hypothesis. I saw little 
gtrls, in Mr Neefs school, solve problems in mathema- 
tics, who did not know a letter, with the greatest facility! 
and who could not have been more than eight or nine 
years old at the extent. 

The Pestalozzian scheme supposes that man is essen- 
tially an active and sociable being. The effects of one 
man's activity must, of course, affect his fellow man; and 
if they do not benefit they must needs harm each other. 
That we ought to do no harm, but, on the contrary, do 
all the good we can, and make the best use of our capa- 
city. The scheme goes on to prove by what means we 
can produce happiness to ourselves and the greatest sum 
of good to our fellow creatures. 

The next thing is to qualify man to discharge these 
great virtures. Nothing new is taught by this system; 
but old things are taught in a new way. Every science 
taught in our first seminaries, is embraced in the Pesta- 
lozzian system. This scheme, however, in doing this, 
does not attempt to introduce any thing into the pupil; 
its object is to develope what is found in him; and ihe 
fundamental point being found out, or fixed upon, the 
teacher goes on, step by step, making every point of 
knowledge a step by which to acquire a new one; and 
by the known developments of the mind, the unknown 
and complicated are discovered, taking care to have on& 
'iking perfect before proceedini; to another. In thi» 



9TEUBENVILLE. 151 

manner the pupil's faculties become unfolded, and, in the 
end, he finds himself qualified to be happy, and enabled to 
dispense happiness to all around him. And he is aston- 
ished to find himself an arithmetitian, a correct gramma- 
rian, mathematitian, chemist, natural and moral philoso- 
pher, profound in astronomy, geography^ ethics, &c &c. 
and all this without the help of the a, b, c,r which take 
up so great a part of other peoples' time. 

Mr. Neef follows the book of nature, and takes his 
scholars, as nearly as possible, of the same age — none 
under six, and none above eight. They all proceed to- 
gether, amd are of no more trouble than one child to the 
teacher, as they all learn the same thing at the same time; 
at least, such are my impressions. For instance, the 
teacher, speaking loud, tells them to draw a horizontal 
line, or, as the case may be; this is instantly dohe by the 
whole school upon a slate: as they do this they repeat 
aloud, '^ I draw horizontal line." The teacher then say» 
" Have you drawn your horizontal line ;" the pupils, 
speaking altogether, reply '^ yes, sir." 

It must appear strange that these sciences are taught 
without books, and to small children, to whom it is play, 
mere amusement; and yet, such is the ignorance and pre- 
judice of the world, that the system makes but little pro- 
gress. As to my part, I think the discovery amongst the 
greatest that was ever made either in ancient or modern 
times. 

Learning has always been the greatest difficulty and 
the greatest good to man; therefore, the easiest means to 
acquire the greatest good must finally prevail m all cases; 
and I have no doubt of living to see this system flourish. 

But many will wish to hear a more particular descrip- 
tion of the system. I cannot, though I at once saw through 
it myself, do the subject justice; yet, as 1 said at first, 
the teacher has no use for alphabets or books; he anni- 
hilates our grammar with a dash of his pencil, and makes 
himself merry with our numerical figures, and so of all 
our systems, and gravely asked whar books Cadoiut 
learned from, and whether Cadmus did not learn to write 
tong before he learned to read or spell. He has no mer- 



152 STEUBEN VILLE. 

cy on spelling books, and contends, (which is most true,) 
that geometrical figures and drawing are more plain and 
simple than our alphabetical letters, and that the former 
preceded the latter. 

I observed his books and cabinets were nature. He 
makes a very liberal use of the works of nature in teach- 
ing, and first, after selecting any object, the human 'body 
for instance, he confines himself to the exterior. He be- 
gins with the whole, and descends from decomposition to 
decomposition, until the subject is exhausted; he makes 
this a general rule. 

This being done, serves as a double problem, viz- 
the pupil being shown an object, or a part of an object, 
he musi name it, and again he is called upon to show the 
object, or the part of an object. • 

The next stept is to determine the coherency, sub-or- 
dination, connection or relation between a part and the 
whole of any object. This operation enables a pupil to 
solve the next or the lollowing problems. 

Question by the teacher. What coherency orsubordin- 
tion is there between the nail on the fore finger of your 
righi hand and your body. 

Answer. The nail on the fore^finger of my right hand, 
is attached to the inferior phalanx of ihefoie-fingerofmy 
right hand, the inferior phalanx of ihe fore finger of my 
right hand, constitutes a pari of ihe fore-finger of my right 
hand. The fore finger of my right hand, is a part of my 
right hand; my riglit hand belongs to my superior right 
member or arm, and my superior right member or a»n, 
is attached to my body.* 

Thus he proceeds, step by step until he has unfolded 
all ihe works of nature, their qualities, fheir uses and sim- 
ilitudes B) which time the pupil's rational powers are 
thoroughly uniblded and prepared to develope other 
^ruths. Thus they never read or look in a book until they 
Qjce able, not only to comprehend what they are to read, 



*It is understood that these members arc distinguished in the dp 
composition of the body. 



STEUBEN VILLE. 153 

but to distinguish good from bad, truth from falsehood, 
reality from absurdity, &c. 

Instead of cyphering, Mr. N. teaches the power of 
combining numbers, for this, he uses any moveable thing, 
such as beans, marbles, pebbles, &c. and begins with one 
bean, and after adding another, he does not say twice one 
is two, as we do, but one time one bean, more one time 
one bean is equal lo two times one bean, thus he proceeds 
as far as ten. He then takes one bean or marble from 
the ten, and says, ten times one marble less one time, one 
marble are equal to nine times one marble. 

He often changes the things numbered to boards, peas, 
or any thing else. Thus the words one, two, &c. being 
immutable and the objects numbered, always changing, 
lays the foundation of abstract ideas of numbers in chil- 
dren 

This operation prepares the child for another, viz. he 
has a table which contains ten horizontal rows of rectan- 
gles, each row including also ten other rectangles, each 
rectangle in the first row, contains one space so as to be 
visible at a distance. In the second row» each rectangle 
contains two spaces, and each succeeding row contains 
one space more than the preceding, and the tenth and 
last row contains one hundred spaces. 

This table becomes a powerful engine in the system, 
and leads the pupil on to algebra, thence to geometry, 
and finally to the mathematics; while the pupil, recollect, 
is not more than seven, or perhaps eight years old. 

To give a succinct account of the management of these 
rows, spaces, and rectangles, would take up too much of 
my book, though 1 do not know that my object, which is 
to benefit mankind at large, could be better answered — I 
shall therefore give a few examples. 

The reader has perceived in the very outset with the 
beans, &c. it is began and carried on upon mathematical 
principles, or a correct system of reasoning. The utility 
of these marble operations is readily discovered when ap- 
plied to this table, they are applied in the abstract. Thus 
four times two more, five times two are equal to nine 
times two J and again, ten times three less four times 



154 STEUBENVILLE. 

three, are six times three. This done, a new exercise 
arises by dividing nuts, peas, apples, &c. into equal parts, 
and to prove them equal, and their use in developing the 
human mind; they are thus applied: by looking on the first 
number of spaces included in the first rectangle of the 
second row of the table, as divided into two equal parts, 
and proclaim, one time one is the half part of one time 
two — two times one is one time two, &c. 

In the third row, the number three will be considered 
likewise as divided into three equal parts Thus, one 
time one, is one time the third part of one time three- 
two times one are two times third part of one time three; 
foiir times one, is one time. three more one time the third 
part of one time three, &c. 

After going through the table in this manner, the fol- 
lowing problems are resolved, to which the foregoing is 
the key: forty-seven times one are equal to how many 
times five, six, and seven? The exercise is then chang- 
ed from one shape to another, and some times inverted 
unlil it leaves the child at algebra. The last combina- 
tion of this exercise, the following: sixty-three are nine 
times seven, nine times seven are nine times the fourth 
part of four times seven; four times seven are twenty- 
eight, twenty-eight is four times five more three times 
the fifth part of one time five. 

The preceding exercise is fourfold, and enables the pu- 
pil to solve the following: three times the seventh part 
of twenty-eight are two times the ninth part of how many 
times th^ eleventh part of fifty-five, and expressed thus^ 

— ~— — ^ a most astonishing bight to be attained by a 
g g h ^ " . ^ , 

child of seven years old, who knows nothmg of letters • 
or cyphers, and while he was learning this he would 
not have got through his spelling book and his brains ad- 
dled into the bargain. 

It is hardly necessary to remark, that by this step the 
pupil enters the field of geometrical proportions. Eight 
successive exercises enables him to determine the fourth 
term of every geometrical proportion, the three first be- 
ing given*. 



STEUBENVILLE. 155 

In all these and the succeeding, the hands, eyes, and 
tongues of the pupils, all move together, io that when 
one is perfect the whole is; while the teacher sits in his 
chair;* sometimes he will ask them questions untrue, pre- 
tendingly, the pupils instantly detect him, and, no sir, 
that is not so. Well, I declare, I beg pardon, I will be 
jiQore particular in time to come. They are all frolic and 
fun, the teacher Mr. Neef, plays with them as though he 
were one of ihem, and the children are much attached to 
him. He uses no whiping or cruelty in his school, on the 
contrary, he is jocular and facetious. 

After exercising his pupils until they are perfect in the 
preceding sciences, he teachers them drawing,- or in other 
words, the) teach themselves by imitating him. For in- 
stance, he says, I drew three horizontal lines and make 
it equal to the third on the table, they repeat the same. 

When they are perfect in this, he teaches them not to 
read and write, but to write and read together, as they 
learn to write they learn to read. This is also a new and 
unlhought of plan; he begins thus, what is the name of 
a tree that bears cherries.'' Answer. A cherry-tree. 

The art and use of coherrency is here introduced. — 
The aubwer being given, the teacher asks the pupil, 
what he did when he answered. 
Pupil. I spoke. 

Teack&r. Very well, but what did you, before you 
spoke. 

Pupil. I do not know. 
Teacher. Did you not think of something. 
Pupil. , Yes, 1 thought of trees and cherries and cher- 
ry-tret;s. 

1 he&e questions give rise to the nature of ideas or 
thoughts, and forces the pupil, for the first time to see the 
necessity ot writing in order, to convey his thoughts to a 
person at a distance.f 

* Mr. Neef introduces tw6 other tables before he is done, coBsistiog 
of squares raoged upon a table, which enables the pupil to unrayel 
the (Koat intricate and difficult point. 

t He makes reading a consequence of writing. 



166 steubenville. 

The profound reasoning which takes place after this 
discov.ery, embraces, nay it completely anatomises the 
organical parts of the human body, which are combined 
with sound, the tongue, the teeth, throat, glottis, gullet, 
]ungs, palate, lips, nose, &c. 

For th? sounds of the human voice, he has entirely new 
lames, as he explodes the whole of our rowels and conso- 
nants, and proves them the silliest things in the world. — 
He says there are ten simple sounds in the human voice 
and we have but five vowels. 

To the articulations of .the human voice he gives the 
following nam^^'s: dento-lahial^ dento-lingual, palato-lingu- 
al, palato-somo-lingual, and others to the same effect. 

In a very short time, perhaps a day, the pupil learns 
to write and read. 

If Mr. Neef scatters our alphabet in the wind, he an- 
nihilates our grammar, and his pupils, who are perfect 
grammarians, not only teach themselves, but make their 
own grammar. He says our verbs are not verbs; in short, 
he tears up the whole of it root and branch, without much 
pity for the poor ams and haves who have to undergo so 
much hardship and toil as helping verbs. 

I cannot follow him, but give a few examples, and 
mast first observe, he has neither nouns or pronouns in 
his grammar, or one single article of what we call the 
parts of speech. He comprises grammar under three 
distinct heads, viz. Ideology, lexography, syntax, and as 
in all bis proceedings, the first question in other grammars 
is the last in his. Ideology contain his materials of speech, 
lexography dissects them, and syntax employs them. I 
am sorry I cannot either find room for, or sufficiently un- 
derstand this part of the Pestallozzi systemj as it has all 
the appearance of being the deepest and most useful part 
of science in the system. He says our verb, what is it, 
the word, to eat; he says, eat is a word, but he is witty 
«pon the neuter verbs, for instance, I march, you say gen- 
tlemen I march, is a neuter verb, and 1 love, denotes ac- 
tion, while I march, denotes neither action nor paii<sion, 
Dor activity. When I, therefore, travel on foot from Phil- 
adelphia to Nevr-Orleans, I am the laziest fellow in the 



STEUBEN VILLE. 157 

World; but when a young man is whispering soft nonsense 
in the ear of his mistress, he to be sure is the 'most busy 
man in the. world. Another, 
( a bull 
They burn, -< a cow 
Ca log- 
Here it is seen, that a bull is masculine, cow feminine, 
and log, Neef says, no gender at all. Sothat the word burn 
must take the name of a thing, verb. He in short, un- 
^rammars the whole of our grammar, which in his hands 
appears to be the greatest piece of nonsense in the world. 
He is equally pleasant with the auxiliaries, to be and to 
have, in the verb to hit. Under the head grammar, Mn 
Neef, analyzes the whole fabric of speech in a masterly 
style. 

His system of Ethics follows grammar, and is remark- 
able for its simplicity. He admits as a fact, that all re^ 
ligions consist of dogmas and morals, but permits his pu- 
pils to think as they pleaso,. what tenets are right and 
what not, and does not meddle with any in his system, as 
all religions, however, abhor crimes, or ought to do so, 
and inculcates virtue. He teaches his pupils to avoid the 
one and practise the other; and instead of asking them in 
the first place, as others do, what is God.? he asks them 
whether they have hands? This question his pupil an- 
swers at once, whereas he would have to be instructed 
what to say in the other, and get it by heart. 

He laughs at the practice of telling children they must 
get one page or two, bj heart. Next to the hand ques- 
tion, he goes on with all the members of the body, and 
that all those members belong to them, and if so, they 
cannot belong to any body else. By this means the child 
perceives his rights. 

His next question is, did we give ourselves these mem- 
bers, and every thing else, of which we are proprietors? 
jThe pupil answers, no Who then is the author of these 
;valuabie gifts? By this method of proceeding, the pupil 
[l^arjiS the existence of the Supreme Being; this he does 
8ot tell his pupils, they discover it themselves. As they 
leceive their inteUigenceand every good thing from this 
14^Vol II. 



158 STEUBENVILLE. 

great supreme good, they conclude his intelligence must 
be infinite.' 

As his pupil's ideas unfold themselves, Mr. ^^eef sup- 
plied them onl}^ with words to express those ideas. The 
faculties, wants, &c. of the body, arise out of the torego- 
ing, and of course are to be supplied by these members, 
and hence government and laws of society, that oi.e may 
not invade the rights of another, and from a knowledge 
of these rights, the pupil discovers his duties; these du- 
ties teach them to respect the rights of others; and though 
the earth produces every thing, by which they, by these 
members and their faculties, supply their wants, yet they 
are not to prevent others from doing tlie same. 

His pupils are brought to reason thus, God is the au- 
thor of our existence, our existence subjects us to wants; 
from these wants flow our rights. But other men have 
the like wants, and the like rights; all men are subject to 
duties, in other words, laws, and proves that we are de- 
pendent on, or liable to be dependent on our fellov beings, 
and that our rights pre-supposes, that we are neither to 
suffer any wrongs, nor inflict wrongs upon our neighbors, 
and that we ought to render reciprocal favors. 

This is a powerful motive to improve our faculties. — 
Xhus the little pupil becomes a legislator, and is initiated 
into the field of metaphysical disquisitions. Natural his- 
tory falls in next, and seemsto bea iavorite part of educa- 
tion with Mr. Neef, as in the preceding system, he difflers 
from all the learned naturalists in introducing his pupils 
inti> the field of this beautiful and unbounded science. — 
He remarks in the outset, that there are but too many 
people who know or pretend to know every thing in the 
world, except what lies under their own noses. He calls 
those walking dictionaries, and though they can tell at 
what hour the emperor of Japan rises, and at what hour 
he. goes to bed, what time of the day he dioes, &c. and 
every thing that passes in foreign countriea, and yet \$ 
ignorant that their next door neighhox is sick and in want 
(rf assistance. 

On the contfi^ary his pupils, to use his own emphaticaJ 
eiJ^pressioos, sh^U feRow what passes before their eyes, 



STEUBENVILLE. 159 

and what concerns them and their neighbors. Takes na- 
ture for his book, and confines them to surrounding ob- 
jects, and every object is explained with great exactness. 
He first begins with water, and shows its uses to man 
and beast — next fire, and its powers in calcinating sub- 
stances, and transforming and reducing them. 

Thus he goes on, examining, observing them, describ- 
ing, and analyzing all the various earths and stones, salts, 
bitumens, metals, vegitables, trees, plants, quadrupeds, 
birds, worms, insects, and fishes: and makes excursions 
for the express purposes, some times altogether, and some 
times in parties, and after examining each collection by 
themselves; the whole squadron is then assembled in one 
room, and correction made if needful — no book. or author 
being consulted. 

In all these proceedings, he has but one vote. 

From' this he proceeds to classing, uses, specific 
weights; and from the superior skill of his pupils in cal- 
culating, they can ascertain the weight of an oak, ship, 
wall, &c. He has botanical gardens, and discovers the 
diseases and death of plants, and the whole kingdom of 
plants undergoes a thorough examination, and all their 
uses to mankind. 

Natural philosophy comes in after this. — In this part 
of education, he pursues-nearly the beaten tract, but with- 
out a book. 

Chemistry also, makes a part of his system, but he has 
no laboratory — he takes the kitchen for his laboratory, 
he remarks, what is very true, that cooks are the great)ist^ 
chemists we have, and his chemical operations are cac^ 
ried on before a common fire, and begins with snow, ice, 
or any solid body, and reasons upon the effects of cold 
and heat, evaporation, transformation, &c. also the effect 
of different substances upon each other, in their combina- 
tions, such for instance, as metals, oil, acids, acohol, salts, 
&c. In this study, 1 perceive, discoveries and illustra- 
tions of some of the common processes of chemistry for 
the first time. 

Gymnastics or exercises, is also a part of his system, 
and he indulges his pupils in the open air, at running 



16© STEUBENVILLE. 

jumping, climbing, bathings swiming, summer and winter: 
to aid tbe extention of the bones and nerves of the chil- 
dren, and urges it as requisite to health, as air and sun- 
shine IS to the growing of plants. 

lie takes his pupils to an open plain, and ranges them 
at equal distances, and setting the example, he takes a 
lirm upright posture, which is the foundation of all their 
future movements; it is equal to, if not superior to a dan- 
cing school — when they have taken their position, he ex- 
plains to them, that every motion is composed of two 
distinct parts, performance and duration, and to hold out 
in any position, requires as much force as to take it. — 
Having taken his position, he begins to move, while the 
whole of the pupils imitate him at once upon the word of 
command, viz. Head forward, head backward, head right, 
left, &c. When the pupils have sufficiently practised all 
the graceful movements of the head, the motions of the 
body is then combined with that of the head — and the ex- 
ercises in this double movement, are extended to some 
length, until the pupil gains a complete command of him- 
self, and moves with ease and grace. The pupil next uses 
his members, arms, &c. with the same care until ihey are 
perfect in the whqle — they are then let into the secret of 
using these members, as means of supplying their waats, 
and defending themselves from enemies, should these 
rights be invaded. 

Mr. N. says, I know, that on this happy globe of ours, 
there are to be found monsters of every kind and discrip- 
tion, which go under the name of emperors, kings, des- 
pots, tyrants, crowned heads, domestic traitors, [true 
enough,] assassins, persecutors, robbers, murderers, and 
other but less ferocious wild beasts, and that we have those 
members and faculties to defend ourselves against all ene- 
mies. Some, says Mr. N. may blame me for inculcating 
those ideas, but 1 had no hand in making society what it 
is. I perceive, however, he is no admirer of standing ar- 
mies. His motto is, "Do not unto others that which thou 
wouldst not have done to thee." He opposes at all points 
a superfluous navy, unnecessary fortifications, national 
debts, permaneat taxes, and all such state machinery. — 



SffetfBENfVlLLE. 16i 

No such thing, said he, is necessary; history and my own 
experience, have too fully convinced me, that those very 
establishments are the harbingers of thraldom, that they 
are just as compatible with real freedom, as conscious- 
ness of guilt is compatible with a good conscience, and 
means only, that every freeman ought to be capable of 
acting efficiently in defence of his country. 

His scheme however, appears oiily to extend to the 
health of the body, sanity of the mind, and purity of the 
heart. He therefore, amuses his pupils wnth military 
evolutions, and first begins with platoons, and when per- 
fect in these, divides them into squads, and a severe dis- 
cipline is then introduced: they have arms and practise 
at the target until they are complete marksmen, or as he 
terms it, the best in the world. 

The eotrenchment or redoubts follow, or make a part 
of the discipline, w^hich their knowledge of geometry 
enables them to construct. He said, (humorously,) that 
nothing but the want of cannon will prevent his pupils 
from becoming artillerists, and the want of horses, from 
becoming horsemen. 

Though a proficient in all the ancient and most of the 
modern, he does not seem to be a warm advocate of the 
dead languages; he thinks it a useless waste of time, and 
gives unanswerable reasons why tiiey are totally useless; 
yet he teaches Latin, Greek, and Frencti, the latter very 
differently from the other teachers. 

Geography is embraced in the system, and he seems fa- 
voralle towards poetry, and very partial to music, itryHiich 
science he appears to combine in his own person, every 
thing which has been discovered, said, set, composed, or 
sung since its origin; and though his soul seems on fire at 
the sound of music, he rejects the common track. I per- 
ceive this to be peculiar to Mr. Neef, he discovers a 
profound knowledge of every science and language, yet 
rejects the whole manner of instructing youth, by all 
teachers, and proves to demonstration,, that our whole 
structure of education is radically wrong, and in every 
branch of his system, he commences as though he were 
the first in the world to frame a svstem, going back t?> 
*14 



162 ^TEUfiENVlLLE. 

the earliejst ages; he improves by their errors, and clearly 
points them out. The system pursued before Pestalozzi, 
was doubtless, the best that weak inexperienced man 
could devise, but this is no reason why a better should 
not be substituted in its room, and that the Pestalozzi 
system taught by Mr Neef, is superior to any system 
hitherto discovered, there is no question. It is self-evi- 
dent, from the surprising facility with which his efforts 
have been crowned in teaching mere children, what it 
would take twenty years to learn the old way, and per- 
haps 1 might with propriety add, no student ever attain- 
ed the same degree of knowledge, whereby he is fitted 
to enjoy happiness and confer it upon others. 

A gentleman in Steubenville waited upon me to the 
school-room. 1 found it so crowded I could scarcely get 
in, and with difficulty procured a seat. Mr. Neef was 
sitting near the door with his profile toward me, very busi- 
ly engaged, and paid no more attention to me than if I were 
a fly or a gnat — he never turned his head, bowed or took 
the least notice of me, whatever. This 1 learned after- 
wards, is his uniform practice, no matter who enters his 
school. It appears reasonable, as his pupils, agreeably 
to him, would have to imitate him. He had a large table 
hefore him, and little girls and boys sitting around it, and 
others behind them. When I entered the pupils appear- 
ed to be leartiing music, but being intirely taken by sur- 
prise, -dndtJhsfving no conception of his method at the 
time, it might have been some other part of his system. 
His countenance was pleasant, and his eye was studious- 
ly bent upon the hindmost row of the boys, it being un- 
derstood that the boys were on one side and the girls on 
the other, face to face. The boys were also smiling, par- 
ticularly when they would make a mistake. He would 
chide them for laughing in perfect good humor; now 
what do you see to laugh at. They would proceed al- 
together. He would repeat, one, two, three, four, five, 
very loud and all upon one key; when he stopped the pu- 
pils would take up the same key or tone, and repeat la la. 
as often as the master repeated the numbers — when they 



STEUBENVILLE. 165 

were done, he repeated the same thing, and was followed 
by the pupils as at first. 

He continued at this for some time, when they com- 
menced another lesson on their slates in geometry. The 
master always speaking first; I draw my upright or par- 
allel, or as the case may be, they follow him — all speak 
and using the pencil iit the same time — after the figure 
is completed; have you all done, yes sir, all replied. So 
they continued without ceasing, while I remained in the 
school, but not one of them took notice of me — some of 
the children might have been ten years old, and all seemed 
to proceed as though they were at play. It drawing near 
night, I withdrew to Judge Tappan's, a few paces only 
from the school, and in a sliort time Mr. Neef entered the 
parlor with several of the judge's children, boys and girls. 
It was then, I perceived the superiority of the Pestalozzi 
system. Upon being introduced to those children, they 
saluted, looked, spoke, and acted different from any chil- 
dren I had hitherto seen. The most accomplished gen- 
tleman had not more easy grace or intelligence, in their 
looks or manners. But the most striking trait, was their 
unequalled, chaste, warm, and genuine friendship; they 
appeared to be the most kind and hospitable little beings 
in the world, and have no equals in conversation or po- 
liteness. 

Mr. Neef was polite, lively, gay and facetious, and 
having understood, I was opposed to the 'mis8i<)naries^ 
he joined me with much cordialit}^, and said they were, 
also great enemies of his. Mr. N. is almost, if not alto- 
gether, the only peison at least, that I have met with, 
who displays the same independence on the subject of this 
religious tyranny and pviest-craft. They will certainly 
oppose him, as his system will soon put an end to their 
impositions. I should rejoice to see a school of this dis- 
cription in every county, town, and city in the union. — 
Mr. Neef is of middle height, rather heavy, plainly dress- 
ed in a grey surtout, his hair cut, thoUr;h not short, pro- 
i fuse and lay in clusters over his forehead, his face was 
', round and well featured, and his eye and countenance of 
the true Swiss independence. 



164 JOURNEY TO WHEELING. 



JOURNEY TO WHEELING. 

On the 17th December, I left Steuben ville for Wheel- 
ing in the stag^e, the steamboat having passed in the night. 
We crossed the Ohio at Steubenville, and went down on 
the Virginia shore. 

The day was very cold, and no passengers except a 
little boy, we were sadly jolted, the road being rough 
and hard frozen. The Ohio river however, with its wont- 
ed radiance, cheered my spirits and sweetened all my 
toil. Its smooth glossy bosom filled my soul with trans- 
port, and imparted an unspeakable charm to the heart. — 
The tall siraight trees, added no little to tjie grandeur of 
the scene, and transported me out of myself. 

I dreaded the moment when night would shut out the 
beauly of the scene. It was dark when we arrived at 
Wheeling. 

I had heard Miss Frances Wright was lecturing at 
Wheeling, before I left Pittsburg, and I hoped to have 
met with this celebrated female at that town: and almost 
the first thing I said, after entering the tavern, was lo in- 
quire whether site had left Wheeling'^ i was told she had. 
I observed, I was very sorry, as I was anxious to see her, 
and remarked, T understood, she was vejy populai-, she 
is very popular amongst the gentlemen; replied a woman, 
who sat rather behind ine, in a very tart voice: she is not 
respected amongst the ladies, none of them admit her'in- 
to their company Whene\ er you hear these bitter re- 
marks made by a female against her own sex, you may 
setjilovvn two admitted facts, viz. that the female who 
makes them, is a bad womwn in any sense you please, and 
the female of whom they are made, a- good woman. Fiom 
Miss Wright's wrighiings, I had at first formed an exalted 
Opinion of her talents, but now when I saw her ihe object 
of bitterness and envy, I was confirmed in my opinion; I 
made nearly the same remark ^o the woman, who, no 
doubt, assumed a title of which she was unworthy, that 
of being a lady. Whenever you hear a female speak of 
her owii sex in this manner, you cannot mistake her real 



WHEELING. 10-5 

character, any more than the character of the object of 
her envy. This was not the lady of the house, but some 
visitor, and a true missionary — I began to tremble for 
Wheeling. 

Miss Wright had left Wheeling about two days, after 
lecturing several nights to crowded houses, and made, as 
1 understood, several converts. 

I saw just such another remark, at least it contained as 
much gall, by the translator of the travels of the Duke of 
Saxe Weimer. He, like myselt, was anxious to see Miss 
W. and as well as I recollect, was disappointed. He 
mentions her in his travels, and rather in respectful 
terms. 

When the translator comes to this part of the duke's 
travels, he says, ''Mis? Wright is a woman who travels 
alone, very little respected, but by a certain class," or 
words to that amount, "and writes and speaks against re- 
ligion." And what does he do? — does he give an evidence 
of religion, except the religion of tracts, in slandering a 
woman.? What if Miss Wright did travel alone? What 
had she to fear amongst such godly people? are they not 
gospel spreaders, and about to convert all the heathen 
on the globe? This missionary, as he doubtless is, by his 
charitable remarks, would take a different step from Miss 
W. he would not travel alone, nor would any of his sis- 
ter missionaries, though they are all so holy. Suppose 
Miss Wright had travelled in company with a gentleman; 
would this have silenced their slanderous tongues? I fan- 
cy not; this is one sure mark of the hypocrasy of these 
people, I mean that of slandering their neighbors — it is a 
sure mark of the vileness of the one, as it is of the merit 
of the other. 

I had still one solace left, and concluding I might still 
have the good fortune to overtake Miss W. as she was 
before me I sent for Dr. Oaf, an old and respectable 
acquaintance whom I knew lived in Wheeling. 

In a very short time the Doctor came, and though it 
had been some years since I bad seen him he was little 
altered, 



166 WHEELING. 

Though I had spent some years in West Virginia, I had 
never been up the Ohio a? far as Wheeling — my plea- 
sure, therefore, at meeting with an old acquaintance in a 
strange place, may well be imagined. The doctor is one 
of your liberal men, and hates tlie missionaries, and though 
he and I used to kick up a dust about our gardens, (as we 
joined fences,) when we lived next door, it was all for- 
gotten, and we laughed our old quarrels over about the 
pigs and the chickens. Dr. Oaf, however, is an amiable 
man, well informed, lively, and sociable, and beguiled 
me of many a laugh, while I remained in Wheeling; 
and for the hundredth time related the old anecdote of 
Col. Ruffner and the hog, which had now become new 
to me, at least. For be it known, other people had pigs 
as well as I, and the moment I saw iie doctor, I thought 
of the anecdote — and by way of antidote for the remarks 
of the snarling old maid, as I suspect she was, we have 
the anecdote as follows: Besides my pigs there was a 
large grown hog that baffled all the doctor's skill, she 
jumped equal to a deer, and let him fasten the gate as he 
could, the hog would be in the garden in spite of hira; 
sometimes the doctor would set up the whole night to 
save his fine melons, as this learned pig prefered them to 
all other vegetables — he would have killed the pig and 
paid the owner an equivalent, but he was unable to dis- 
cover the owner. 

One evening. Col. Ruffner, the great salt-works own- 
er, happened to call in. The colonel lived within half a 
mile of Charleston, the doctor's residence at the time, 
which IS on the Kenhawa river. He related the circum- 
stance of the hog's trespassing, and asked the colonel's 
advice on the subject. Oh, said the colonel, I will put you 
upon a plan that will rid you of her forever, catch her with 
your dogs, and get a sharp knife, and slit lier feet an inch 
or two, exactly in the middle where the hoof parts, and I 
will engage she will never get in your garden again. The 
colonel was a magistrate and an elder in the church be- 
sides, but there were no missionaries in those days. 

A (ew evenings afterwards, the hog paid a visit to the 
melons again, and the doctor caught her with his, dogs. 



Wheeling. 167 

and went to work with his knife, and just as he had split 
the two fore-feet; who should step up, but the coionel. 
All, I see you are u})on the right plan, that is the way.— 
The doctor split the other two feet, but instead ol one or 
two inches, he split them beiwetn three and tour, and let 
the hog go, but lo! she fell down, being unable to walk 
at all. Confound it you cut too deep, said the coloiielj 
as he stepped up to examine the operation, why let me 
see; looking at the mark; if it is not my preeden sow, 
(he was a German,) Cod pless me, [ would not take $20 
for her ! 

Being dark, I was unable to see the town until the next 
mornmg, and after tea I retired. 

Wheeling is a very handsome town, situated on the 
bank of the Ohio river, and has considerable trade. 

Like Pittsburg and Steubenville, it is surrounded with 
hills of coal, and is deeply engaged in manufactures. It 
is built on Wheeling creek, from which it takes its name, 
a romantic stream, with a high perpendicular shore of 
rough wild rocks, and the town is environed with hills, 
which are clothed with lofty majestic trees to thtir sum- 
mit; in these hills lie the wealth of Wheeling, being solid 
masses of coal. They differ however, from the hills of 
Pittsburg, as they are fertile and susceptible of cultiva- 
tion. 

Wheeling is regularly laid out, and the buildings arc 
large but not sliowy. 

The public buildings are a Presbyterian church; Epis- 
copal do., Methodist do., Catholic do., all brick. 

A Lancastrian academy, a handsome brick building, 
erected and supported by a fund left by the late Noak 
Lindsey, Esq. a Yankee lawyer, who lived and died in 
this place, and a better man never breathed, ordered, it is 
said, in any plan. 

A Masonic hall , a handsome brick ; two master Masonic 
lodges, and one royal arch Chapter. 

A stone court-house, a brick gaol; markiiet-'house and 
council chamber. 

Two circulating Libraries. 

Population 4,500, and rapidly increasing^. 



168 WHEELING. 

There are also, three air foundries, one woollen manu- 
factory, one glass manufactory, two cotton manufactories, 
three carpet manufactories, one copperas manufactory, 
a brewery, &c. &c. 

WHEfiLING MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 

Messrs. Shriver, Wood, and Co. owns the American 
S'feam Foundry of forty horse power, and appears to be 
superior to any I have seen, in expedition at least. It fin* 
ishes a steam engine of one hundred horse power, in from 
three to four weeks! Every description of machinery 
made of iron, is done at this foundry in a style of excel- 
lence and strength equal, if not superior, to any cast in 
the western country. It consumes 200 tons of pig and 
bar iron annually. 

This foundry is supplied with water from the Ohio, 
which is conveyed thiough iron pipes, from which it is 
contemplated to supply the town with water. 

PHCENIX FOUNDRY. 

Owned by Mr. Cooper, makes small castings, from 50 
to 75 tons per annum, of a superior quality. 

UNION FOUNDRY, 

The property of Messrs. Scott, Pollock, & Co. is a 
new and extensive establishment, and the castings made 
at this foundry are in great demand. It is in south Wheel- 
ing. 

WOOLLEN MANUFACTORY, 

Is owned by Messrs. Prescot and Co. manufactures 
60,000 pounds of wool annually, in broadcloths, flannels, 
blankets, and carpets. Employs 80 hands. 



WHEHLIKC;. 169 

WHEELING GLASS FACTORY, 

Is the property of Messrs. Knox and M'Kee. Amount 
manufactured annually, |2,400. 

COTTON MANUFACTORIES. 

I saw but one; the property of an extensive company, 
has 1500 spindles; manufactures 360 bales of cotton an- 
nually. No cloth is made here, they sell the yarn faster 
than it can be spun. Annual sales of spun cotton amount 
to |34,000. Capital invested, |35,000. So that more 
force is wanted here. 

CARPETING. 

Some of the best carpetings are manufaeturpd in Wheel- 
ing, in the United States, or perhaps superior. This busi- 
ness is carried on to a great extent, and employs a num- 
ber of hands. The colors are bright and lasting, and the 
texture equal to any imported. 

WHEELING BREWERY, 

Is the most extensive I have met with in my travels. 
It is the property of Henry Moore, Esq. The building 
is 100 feet by 50, and strongly built of brick and stone. 
Makes 225 barrels of prime breer, and 200 of porter, 
annually; which consumes 8,000 bushels of barley and 
7,000 pounds of hops. The capital invested is ij^8,000. 

There are also, a large steam grist and saw mill in 
Wheeling. All the machinery for those manufactories 
and many others, is made on the spot. 

Besides those great machineries, there are first 

A SADDLETREE MANUFACTORY. 

This is a very important establishment, and is the pro- 
perty of D Murray and Sons. Amount manufactured an- 
nually |6,250. 

15~Vo]. II. 



170 WHEEL1N(;. 



WIRE MANUFACTORY, 

Owned by Messrs. Mathers and Son. Amount manufac- 
tured annually is $4,500. 

TWO OIL PRESSES, 

The property of John Dix, Esq. Value of oil (cold 
pressed castoi,) made annually is $8,000 Theb( ans from 
which the oil is made are reared in the neighborhood. 

LABORATORY. 

This is the property of Dr. Hornbrook, and employs, 
from 10 to 12 hands. The doctor manufactures weekly, 
to the aoiount of $8,000 worth of copperas and alum, be- 
sides spirits of nitre, (dulce,) spirits of vitrol, varnish, &c. 

Besides these, there are various other manufactories in 
Wheeling, such as hatters, cabinet makers, coppersmiths, 
&c. &c. ' . 

Every branch of business in Wheeling is carried on to 
greater perfection, than in any of the great workshops, 
as these towns are called, in the western country. All 
the work is neatly finished and substantially macl^, I saw . 
the neatest and best finished chairs in Wheeliag, the man- 
ufacture of that place, of any in the Union. 

Thus goes on the west. Their soil rich, coal and iron, 
at their doors; their climate healthy, air pure, water fine; 
their citizens enterprising and industrious, plain^^n^epen- 
dent, and persevering; navigation at their doorsiAJ'^I see 
nothing under Heaven to prevent them from being the 
happiest people on earth, but the growth of missionaries. 

All these towns, but particularly Wheeling, is a most 
delicious spot. What do they want? and yet this delight- 
ful spot is cursed with the worst of all curses, the mis- 
sionaries! lamentable! that people in their senses, men of 
understanding, and particularly those opposed to this rob- 
bei J, do not exert themselves to expel those enemies trom 
amongst them. Here is a town, teeming with every beau- 



WHEELING. \ 171 

ty and blessing, and the whole wearing a cloud of sable 
blackness; the lookof the women would freeze the blood 
of a pirate. In the very place, where we ought to find 
the last touches of every cha;'m, we find the death heads. 
I would rather find a thousand stinking skulls, than to find 
my sex, instead of imparting life and joy, and smiles to all 
around her, and ravishing sour senses, by the sweetness 
of her voice, and stealing our hearts by her kindness; 
erect her snaky (just received another sweet gospel 
spreading letter from Baltimore; put me in the right hu- 
mor, nothing like a spur of some sort,) front and hiss, and 
writhe, and sink her envenomed fang with deadly aim in- 
to her female neighbor's reputation — gracious powers! 
one should think shame would arrest their tongues, as 
every gentleman at least, know that none but exceptiona- 
ble females ever say ought against her sex, and no matter 
how vile men are, they »re never made the object of their 
ill-nature, nor do gentlemen, at all, associate with them. 
No gentleman goes to these niglit meetings or Sunday 
schools; none but coarse, raw, awkward, ignorant young 
men go to these places. 

"The action with the music suits: 

So Orpheus fiddled, and so danced the brutes." 

I can keep no measure with those women, a literal 
curse wherever they are, a chilling gloom overspreads their 
countenance, and taints the very atmosphere with hideous- 

»s. The damp my spirits received from the religious 
female upon the night of my arrival, was such, that I was 
unable to shake it off while I tarried in the town; and 
most of the females were of the same stamp. 1 met 
with a very engaging Boston lady at the tavern where 
I put up; this was Mrs. Petteson, a very amiable female, 
and abhors this missionary mania, as much as any one can 
do. My landlady was also, a very amiable female. 

Many of the gentlemen, were likewise intelligent and 
liberal minded, though, doubtless, as in all other places, 
they are under the influence of their wives. 



172 WHEELING. 

I found the people of Steubenvilie much less iufecled 
by priest-craft than Wheeling. 

My friend Dr. Oaf is proprietor of* the theatre, but, 
meets with much opposition from these religious hypor 
crites, who wish to tyranise over the world, and suppress 
every thing: that does not put money in their own pockets, 
or that tends in the least to improve, amuse, or instruct 
mankind. Had it not been for theatres the world would 
still be groping in the dark. Which is the greater evil, 
to receive amusement and instruction from a well repre- 
sented play, or to dupe ihe ignorant and unguarded out of 
their money, and plunge them into ignorance by stuffing 
them with tracts, and alluring females to follow them 
night and day, to the injury of their health, reputation 
and fortune.'' When American women were kind and hos- 
pitable, a few years back, there were no such thing as 
night meetings, or tract or bible societies; every female 
was found at home, attending to her household affairs; 
and if an unfortunate fellow creature came to the door he 
was invited in, and his wants relieved. But now, al- 
though they are gadding to church two thirds of the time, 
they would just as soon give him a broken leg or a bro- 
ken head as a piece of bread. These are the people 
who object to theatres. There is no place where you 
can receive more' instruction than at a theatre, if properly 
conducted. It is nothing more than a mirror which re- 
flects the vices and follies of the age; showing folly its 
end, and virtue its reward in a well represented play. 
But this is the reign of terror and of priests. 

I found several enlightened Yankees in Wheeling, but 
they are not able to stem the tide of ignordnce. I find 
education in the hands of Presbyterians here, as in moat 
other places. Strange infatuation of our people, not to 
see and prevent this greatest of all curses — a total sup- 
pression of useful knowledge, by letting this dangerous; 
and designing sect ruin the youth of our country. This 
may truly be called the dark age of America. 

Mr William Petuson, the husband of the lady men- 
tioned, and counsellor Nelson were both Yankees, and 
clung to me during my visit to Wheeling. Had it not 



WHEELING. 173 

been for the polite attention of these gentlemen I should 
have found some difficulty in searching out the.infonna- 
tion under the head of Wheeling. 

Dr. Oaf, as the smallpox was then raging in Wheelir.g, 
was constantly engaged m his professional business-,* and, 
of course it was not in his power to pay that attention to 
me he otherwise undoubtedly would. 

Mr. P. is rather a young man, of good size, and genleel 
in his manners, learned and intelligent. He is the soul of 
kindness and true Yankee hospitalify. Nearly his whole 
time was devoted to me; and to his politeness I am prin- 
cipally indebted for many of the particulars on the subject 
of Wheeling. 

Morgan Nelson is an eminent lawyer, and though a 
Yankee, I am unable to say which of the New England 
S^ateij has the honor of .his birth. He is of middie age, 
arid rather over the common size; an erect, good figure; 
fair complexion, of very engaging manners, and one of 
the most intelligent faces in the world. 

Morris W. Chaplm, Esq. likewise ranks high at«the 
bar. He is, if I recollect, a Virginian — a tall imposing 
tigure, with a fair, round, full face, fine blue eyes, and 
gay open countenance. Every part of the human body 
contributes more or less to express the indications and 
properties oi the mind, but more particularly the face. 
Nature, ever consistent with herself, will speak in the 
countenance, and with more eloquence than words can 
utter. I have more than an hundred times, since I began 
to travel, paid very little attention to the language of a 
man, but a great deal to his countenance, as nature forms 
us first within for every part of her plan; and by watch- 
ing the countenance narrowlyj when addressing a man, 
you have a more accurate knowledge of what passes with- 
in than by attending to his language. At first sight, there- 
fore, I conceived a favorable opinion of Mr. C. though 
he was busily engaged in writing when I entered his of- 
fice, and scarcely took time to salute me. His manners 



* 1 ought to have mentioned that the smaJlpox wm also raging at 
Pittsbnrg. 

*15 



174 WHEELING^ 

are mild, friendly and polite, mixed with that sort of el- 
egance and ease which indicate a highly improved mind. 

Besides these gentlemen, Wheeling boasts of Messrs, 
Jacobs, Whitehead, and several others, members of the 
bar, whom I did not see. I suspect these were blueskins, 
and kept out of my sight — the wisest plan. 

Mr. Focet, a wealthy and independent merchant, was 
a convert of Miss Wright; or rather maintained the same 
principles, which goes the same length that I do against 
the imposition of priests; at least, those who make a tra- 
fic of the gospel, and corrupt our women. Both he and 
Miss W., however go much farther than I do; but they 
are people of science and learning, and perhaps can see 
further than I can. I have nothing to do with science or 
disputation, and abjure all sorts of religious arguments, 
for this good reason, I do not understand it. And though 
I do not know what religion is, (i mean the Christian re- 
ligion,) I know what it is not. I know that it cannot con- 
sist of falsehood and robbery under pretence of convert- 
ing the heathen. It cannot consist in slandering and in 
cruelty. It cannot consist in money. It cannot consist 
in feathers and flowers, and all the pride and profligacy 
which mark its possessors. It cannot consist in superb 
churches and show. It cannot consist of Tracts and Sun- 
day schools, as Christ its head, never said a word about 
either. 

Therefore, so far as Miss Wright goes against these 
things I am with her.* Mr. F. spoke in the highest 
terms of Miss Wright, and' being a great admirer of her 
himself, he inspired me with very exalted sentiments in 
her favor, and I regretted exceedingly not having seen her. 
I understand she is a tall, elegant woman, of fine talents, 
and much independence. 

It is certainly honorable to the sex that one of them, 
at least, has had the spirit to resist the daring impudence 
of these gospel spreaders, and to expose their impositions 
on the sex. Their influence over women is truly alarm- 



* Miss Wright, in one of her remarks, gives these love-lady priests 
a good hit. She told them, "Christ said he would make them fishers 
dtf men, but they had become fishers of vromen." • 



WHEELING. 175 

lag. Never, in any age, were women so degraded, and 
I may say men loo; as they have completely established 
their power over the one through the other; and this' 
state of things cannot be changed but by enlightening the 
people, and this requires time. Unless sonie very deci- 
sive measures are taken to arrest this dreadful monster 
there is but little prospect of a speedy deliverance, 
» The present alarming situation of our country, from 
religious tyranny, has driven E^jiscopalians, Methodists, 
Baptists, &c. into the same absurdity; and as there is 
but one way to establish tyranny, viz. falsehood and de- 
ceit, the whole of these sects, from mutual fear of each 
other, mutual depravity, and a total prostration of virtue, 
have thrown off the very last semblance of decency, and 
are ail alike hostile to our safety; and, like a swoollea 
river, threatens our whole country with destruction. 
They are alike barbarous and harol-hearted to the poor, 
avaricious and greedy for money, mean and perfidious in 
laying schemes to acquire it, and uniform in seizing upon 
the passions of ignorant women. Each has the same end 
in view, which is universal dominion; which, by surprise 
or stratagem, they are bent upon; and he man or wo- 
man who has the patriotism and courage to meet this hi- 
deous monster, and at least keep it at bay a little longer, 
deserves eternal renown. 

I think it no wonder that Miss W. should not believe 
in the truth of the Christian religion when she has such 
undeniable evidence of the vileness of its professors. In- 
stead of attempting to convert her, as that is their ob- 
ject they say to convert the heathen and infidel, they 
heap all manner of slander and vile language upon her, 
and are continually sending her letters filled with ."b- 
scenity and billingsgate. I suppose they learn this in the 
Bible. 

■ I have a guess what kind of letters Miss W. receives, 
from what 1 received mysell': doubtless such as I receiv- 
ed from Carlisle and Pittsburg I challenge these re- 
ligious hyocrites to come forward and show in what part 
of the Bible they learn this infamous practice. I insist 
upon an answer, and shall consider them as hypocritical 



176 WHEELING. 

knaves and slanderers unless they point me to the chap- 
ter and verse. Now, they have loaded Miss VV aud 
myself with obscene letters, thai no inmate of a broihel 
would write. I have a few of them now, widi the hand- 
some pictures. They are said to be in tlie hand writing 
of women. I suspect these pious missionaries give these 
gadders a few lessons in drawing from the original. I 
cannot say whether the specimens in my possession are 
well or ill drawn; but I can say that if such is the christ- 
ian religion Miss Wright is not to be blamed for raising 
her voice against it. And, as tor myself, I can say, tijat 
I have never seen any action of these missionaries but 
what would disgrace a Turk. The whole community 
cannot too soon unite against them See the degraded 
state of our funds. How lon<; can our country stand at 
thi.s rate.'' And, all those abominable women are perfect 
tyrants over tlieir husbaads. 

Mr. Focet is a very amiable man, and highly respect- 
ed, and iias that kind of independence that every Amer- 
ican ought to possess. He is a moral upright man, kind 
to th^ distressed and hospitabh^ to strangers; which is 
more than can be said of the " good, sound Presbyte- 
rians," u ho strip the widow and the orphan.- And as 
for his opinions, lie is accountable to none but his G )d. 

Mr. Fisher is likewise a liberal, benevolent man; also 
Messrs. A. & E Picket — they are booksellers. I was 
pU^ased to tind them free from the pollution of the mis- 
sionary system; and while this is the case there is some 
hopes of a reformation; but as soon as booksellers and 
presses are bought up by the missionaries liberty is no 
mur;^! 

These are very amiable, enlightened and independent 
men, and must be proof against money; for, doubtless, 
they have had the otter. 

Mr. Peabody Atkinson has a good deal of the blue-skin 
about him, but did not approve of the Church and 
State men. Nonsense — whoever approves of tracts, and 
surh societies, are aiding and abetting the scheme, it is 
puiting arms into the hands cl the enemy. Mr. Atkin- 
son is, however, a very amiable man, and a Yankee. He 



WHEELING. 177 

had seen my books, and observed the notice I took of a 
friend of his, Mr Peabody A. Morse, whom I met with 
lirstat Dartmouth College, and again at Haverhill, where 
he resides. Mr. Morse is mentioned in the second vo- 
lume of my Black Book — i am bound to him by the deep- 
est obligations; and it gave me much pleasure to meet* 
with his friend and namesake. I .should certainly have 
esteemed Mr. A. for the sake of his friend, and il gave 
me double pleasure to be enabled to esteem him for his 
own sake. He is a tall, stout, and well turned figure, 
' plain and friendly in his manners, and much respected in 
Wheeling, though it strikes me he does not live exactly 
in the town. . 

Wheeling is the residence of the Hon. Judge Caldwell. 
I had- the pleasure of meeting with Judge Caldwell at 
Wilmington, Delaware, some time back, where he had 
brought his daughter for her education; but, unfortunate- 
ly he was absent from Wheeling at the time of my visit. 
Dr. Oaf, my friend, is a middle aged, light figure, of 
middling height, with an oval, fair face, blue eye, and 
gay, lively countenance; he is genteel and affable in his 
manners, and doubtless one of the ablest physicians in the 
western country. He is full of anecdote and fun, but of 
sober industrious habits, and is a man of very general 
information. I have seen several ably written pieces of 
his on science, which prove him to be a man of study 
and discernment. But I am most pleased with that part 
of the Doctor's character which goes to oppose the mis- 
sionaries, and hope he may meet with a liberal pa- 
tronage. 

I am Ihe more pleased at the opportunity of doing jus- 
tice to the Doctor, as I had, upon a former occasion, 
passed upon him some rather unjust censures. 

My landlord, Mr. Graham, and particularly Mrs. G. 
was kind and obliging, and highly deserving of public 
patronage Their tabic is one of the best I have seen in 
the west; the rooms comfortable, and the servants atten- 
tive I had the pleasure of meeting with the brother of 
G"neral or Governor (which you please) Carroll, at 
Wheeling, who was accompanied by his lady, a tall, el- 



178 WHEELING. 

egant woman, but rather distant and stiff, I thought for an 
eastern lady, nor did I admire the appearance of Mr. Car- 
roll 

1 have little more to say of Wheeling, my time there 
being limited to one day, (Saturday,) and part of Sunday, 
and the days being then at their shortest, it may be sup- 
posed I was not idle. When the stage called for me at 
one o'clock, A. M. I recollect very well it found me talk- 
ing with Dr. Oaf and writing, and without tasting dinner, 
though on the table at the same time. 

I have often remarked, the vari ty found in mankind, 
in the same state, same town, and in the same house, are 
as unlike as the dove and the viper. And merely for the 
sake of example, I found a most detestable fop in Mr. 
Nelson's office. He grinned like a monkey, as nothing but 
four-legged and two-legged monkeys grin at all. I always 
find these monkeys in gentlemen's houses, and was told 
they were for amusement; with book in hand, it lisped 
and grinned and bobbed its head. High life below stairs. 
He went beyond Judge Hall— now each clime has its 
peculiar quadrupids, birds, and fishes, but fops are found 
in all climates. 

One thing however, is peculiar to the western country,* 
which is a native and inbred sense of honor, common to 
Ghildren; I do not recollect publishing this remark, which 
I was unable to do, until I saw the old states. This is an- 
other evidence, why a person who has never been out of 
his own country; is not only unable to describe it; but of 
all countries, he has the least idea of the one he lives in. 
He may form some idea of other countries, but of his own 
none. It would have been impossible for me to have 
kfiown the difference between children, men, trees, rivers, 
soil, or any thing in the new and old states. Why? Be- 
cause I never heard the remark; and how happened this, 
doubtless it has never been made. We have Bracken- 
ridge's views, and Darby's views, and guides and pic- 
ture-*, and many other things, representing, to be a descrip 
tion of the western country: none are careful to mark 
those bold lines which distinguish the western from the 
old or Atlantic states: nor does it require any. great dis- 



WHEELING* 179 

cernrnent to draw lines, where they are already strongly 
drawn. 

Bui what do we care for children? says the historian 
and traveller, our business is with the improvements, 
and where other improvements may be made; we are only 
the pioneers to point out where good settlements may be 
made, and navigation encouraged: in short, where popu- 
lous towns may be located or begun, and the se^'ds of ^is 
and sciences my be planted. We sometimes notice the 
growth of vegetables, and the variations of climate. 

"To tame the soil and plant the arts: 
What wonders there shall freedom shew, 
What mighty states successive grow." 

But though Ave necessarily come often in contact with 
our fellow men, we never notice children, more than pu- 
pies or chickens, and wherefore.'' Wheielore.'' When 
you construct any thing made with the hand, for instance, 
a house, a ship, &c. do you look out for the best mater- 
ials.'' It appears between the old and the new states, we 
are to have a mighty empire, whigh cannot hang together 
without laws. This leads us to the making of laws. Now, 
though there are a great difference of opinion upon go- 
vernments: that is whether despotic, limited, or republi- 
can, are best suited to the happiness of man, yet there 
are but one opinion respecting the necessity of laws, 
which is, that as we are so wicked, we must have laws to 
protect us irom each other, and that the utmost wisdom is 
requisite to frame them, which are to secure equal rights 
to all. Every citizen, therefore, will, for his own sake, 
elect men for this purpose, of the first wisdom and inte- 
grity, integrity above all. These men, all will admit, 
have once been children. It is with children, as with a 
nursery of fruit-trees, some are thrifty and flourishing, 
while others are sickly and dwarfish, and in the one case 
there can be no question, so neither can the other admit 
of a doubt; it therefore must follow, that a sound healthy 
child, is more likely to become a sound energetic man, 
than one who is not. Every species of the animal and 



180 oWHEELIxNG. 

vcj^etable kingflom, proves this premise. But whatever 
maj be the caur^e, whether from fertility of soil, salubri- 
ty of climate, or other causes not yet developed, the chil- 
~ditn of the west greatly exceed those of the old states, 
in size and manliness of expression, and the capacity of 
the mind seems to be in proportion to the size of the body. 
But besides this, they have an independence of manners, 
jftd an elevation of thought unknown in the latter. 

This struck me forcibly after crossing the Allegheny 
mountains, or rather the Blue-ridge, on my first visit to 
the old states. "Oh, 1 love that man, he gave me a nine- 
pence." I was quite astonished to hear this, which is uni- 
versal wherever I have travelled; the children are the 
most avaricious little wretches in the world, of the Atlan- 
tic states. What sort of men will these make? Now he 
did not like the man for any good quality he might pos- 
seiss, but because he gave him money. The principle is 
shocking, a robber might say the same, and he would like 
him because he gave him money. Such children, F ap- 
prehend will, when grown, become a set of sharpers. — 
But you could not Oiler a greater afront to a child of the 
western states, than to ofter it money, and the parents 
would consider it an insult. 

While I was resting myself in the brewery, a middle- 
aged man accompanied by a pretty little boy: upon hear- 
ing who T was, requested him to sing the "Hunters of 
Kentucky." The boy without hesitation, sung the song, 
and acquitted himself to admiration When I arose to re- 
turn home, I took out a ten cent piece, (forgetting the 
character of the western children,) and was about to pre- 
sent it to the child, but in doing so, it accidentaly drop- 
ped on the floor, and the boy, (no other person being pri- 
vy to it,) and 1 looked for it in vain; I returned to the 
tavern which was half a mile distant. 

When we were about halfway on our return, the father 
Came galloping after us on horseback with the money, 
and insisted upon my receiving it back, and seemed ra- 
ther offended, that T should have offered it to his son. — 
Tb?se are the children that will make upright honest men, 
and such, are the parents of the noble west. 



VISIT TO WASHINGTON, PA. 180 

This high sense of honor is our surest safe-guard, and 
is worth more in a republican government than all the 
learning of the boasted schools of the old states. These 
principles will soon give a preponderance to the people 
of the west, and accordingly we find them now at the 
head of the nation. 

VISIT TO WASHINGTON, PA. 

Here I take leave of the Ohio. Upon leaving Wheel- 
ing, we take the celebrated Cumberland road, which leads 
us directly up on a considerable eminence back of the 
town. I kept my eyes upon the broad, smooth river, un- 
til it was no longer in view, and ascended the eminence 
which was to divide us, but I hope not forever. 

We had an extensive view from the eminence: The 
Ohio with Wheeling Creek — Wheeling, with its varie- 
ty of factories; and the country to a great distance. The 
land is rich, but broken, and rises up into every shape and 
figure; with deep fissures and ledges of rocks; interming- 
led with lofty sugar-trees: while the hills are one solid 
mass of coal This description of country continued to 
Washington — 24 miles; the whole way being watered by 
handsome, brisk running streams. 

The Cumberland road, which must have been very 
expensive from the unevenness of the ground, is going 
to decay. Strong bridges throughout are built over all 
the streams and hollows, and a statue of Mr. Clay perr; 
petuates his name, in sight of the road. It certaitlly was. 
a stupendous undertaking to make a road of such mag- 
nitude, over sucii uneven ground. 

The stage was full of tolerably good looking men, who, 
like myself, had left Wheeling without dinner. But we 
prevailed upon a lady to set us a lunch, while we chang- 
ed horses at one of the inns Judge Burnet, senator of 
Ohio, of whom 1 shall speak hereafter, was one of the 
passengers: he proves to be one of the first men in that 
state. 

It was quite late before we arrived in Washington, and 
oneof the gentlemea of the stage escorted me to th ta- 
16— Vol. II. 



181 WASHINGTON J PA. 

vern, ( different from the stage house,) where I had been 
recommended. 1 was pleased to find a candle burning, 
and a very genteel young lady, who met me at the door 
vejy politely, to prepare supper. 

1 had been told that Washington and Cannonsburg 
were the head quarters ot the bluestockings in the west 
of Pennsylvania; but the tavern-keeper was & Mason^ 
and a very clever man. 

While the lady (who was the tavern-keeper's daugh- 
ter) was gone to prepare supper, the landlady came in 
(the husband having retired) but a more terrific looking 
female I never saw: her face was flaming iron, o\)d her 
countenance ot steel. She que stioned me with great im- 
pertinence, to which I returned such atiswers as soon si- 
lenced her, and she betook herself to reading her Bible, 
which lay on a candle stand before her. I asked her if 
she learned such impertinence in the Bible. She made 
no reply. In a short time I had tea, and retired to a very 
ntat comfortable chamber. 

AVASHINGTON, 

Is situated in a rich flourishing country; and is a thriv- 
ing, handsome village upon the Cun)berland road, which 
leads to Baltimore, and takes its name from an old noted 
place in Maryland, called Fort Cumberland. Washing-^ 
ton occupies a commanding emmence, though it descends^ 
to steepness from one point. This would be one of the" 
,most delightful inland spots m the world, were it not 
cursed by those viceroys of Satan (so called,) the mission- 
aries. The view is extensive, cheering, and beautifully 
diversified with hill and hollow, and farms, and must, in 
summer, present its quota of rich scenery. 

Washington is the capital of Washington county, and 
is the seat of Washington college, to which my attention 
had been called by the friends of civil and religious lib- 
erty. Both this and Jefferson college at Cannonsburg, a 
few miles distant, has fallen into disrepute from, the influ- 
ence of the Presbyterians, who have turned both into re- 
positories for tracts, and bible and missionary societies, to 



r 



WASHINGTON, PA. 183 

the total suppression of learning and virtue. It is a well 
known fact, that wherever this sect has established its 
sway, virtue and honor has become extinct. Whether 
this be true, with respect to Washington cdlege or not, 
I am not able to say. But it gives me much pleasure to 
have it in my power to exculpate the President. Rev. Mr. 
Wyley, from all share of blame with respect to the go- 
vernment of the college. I had heard many complaints 
of these colleges, and the principals of both Washington 
and Jefferson, being nick-named one (Mr. Brown,)'being 
called the Pope, and Mr. Wyley the Cardinal, such be- 
ing the ignorance of the people with respect to objects 
of the first importance. 

Neither of these Presidents are to blame for the ty- 
ranny and disorder of the Colleges; which the smallest 
investigation into their affairs will confirm. It is the 
Trustees who are to blame, and not the Principals or 
Professors. The hands and feet and tongues of the Prin- 
cipals are tied up by the tyrannical laws of the Trustees, 
who have made havoc of every thing learned, liberal or 
noble m the Colleges; which, like Dickmson, have be- 
come dens of unheard of wickedness: but the Principals 
are gentlemanly and liberal men. It is cruel and unjust 
to charge these men with the tyranny and misconduct of 
the Trustees; and it is the more heinous coming from the 
source, who alone is to blame for the evil, I mean the 
People. Why do the people appoint these clergy Trus- 
tees? And why, when they are put in, do they not watch 
them and turn thetn out wheii they no longer fulfil the 
duties of their trust.'' There are, if they must have cler- 
gymen lor Trustees, (for which I can see no reason,) 
honest Lutherans and Moravians, or Roman Catholics, 
enough, I should think, to make Trustees for all the Col- 
leges in Pennsylvania; and they are the most liberal and 
learned men I find in the State. These Colleges are es- 
tablished by the people, and then left a prey to these 
ravenous wolves, and not a soul cares how they go on. 
If the Legislature can say, they have endowed and char- 
tered a College, they fhtnic they have done something to- 
promote learning, and conclude they have no more busi- 



184 WASHINGTON^ FA. 

ness with them: they never dream of looking into their 
condition afterwards; and least of all do they consider 
that it is of the last importance to their country that^they 
should do SD. And now, too late, they see the conse- 
quences. Ail these Colleges ought to be suppressed, or 
remodelled upon a plan to produce the benefit for which 
they were designed. I presume they were not designed 
as missionary schools, which they have now become; 
and I might add — brothels ! 

I was truly sorry for Mr. Wesley, one of the best of 
men; who, heartless and hopeless, was about to resign 
his chair. Heart-broken, he found it impossible to bring 
his conscience to submit to the tyranny and wickedness 
of the Trustees; and actually left the College shortly af- 
ter 1 saw him. A more capable or worthy man could 
not be placed at the head of any College than Mr. Wes- 
ley. He is a young looking man, of stout make, and a 
perfect gentleman, in every sense of the word. Learned, 
candid, and highly polished in his manners, he would do 
hoiior to any seminary over which he might be placed. 
Bui these qualifications only served to disqualify him to 
preside over Washington — any thing but honor, learning 
and integrity for ihem. 

This state of things is quite alarming, and instead of 
serving for a laughing stock, as both these seminaries 
do, a speedy and thorough reformation ought immediate- 
ly to be set on foot, and all these missionary men banish- 
ed from all concern in our schools of learning. To sit 
still and laugh at them is the height of folly : for the next 
thing may be the knife or halter at our throats. I pre- 
sume this would be no laughing matter. 

The whole of this county, it appears, are thorough 
going Presbyterians, and are dangerous to our liberty. 

Several of the students called with the President, and 
had a fine appearance: but by far the greater number 
kept out of sight. I was told they were distributing 
tracts, and collecting money for these and other societies^ 
which pious purposes take up about two thirds of theip 
time. 



WASWtiJfciTON, ^A. 185 

Missionaries and ladies have swallowed up every thing- 
like goodness in this beautiful county. It is women that 
are to blame wholly and solely for this religious swin- 
dling. " O, let the women alone, Mrs. R., lash the men 
as much as you please, but let the women alone." And 
why; should the innocent be punished, and the guilty go 
free.? When a woman commits a crime, does the law ex- 
bondrate her because she is a woman .-' Do not historians 
give the hitory of women as well as men? Does a his- 
torian deserve cndit who does not tell the truth, the 
whole truth, and nothmg but the trutli? My book is to 
stand forever; and, therefore, nothing but truih shall ap- 
pear on its page, and as mu::;h of it as I can lay on. " But, 
Mrs. R., spare your own sex, you do harm to your cause." 
Were I even a man, this fallacious argument ought to 
have no weight, as it has no pn^cedent; nor is any histo- 
ry valuable but in proportion to the integrity with which 
it is written. It is a gross error, therefore, to sacrifice 
truth to fals-'hood, virtue to vice, and modesty and iniid- 
cence to unblushing guilt and impudence My objt^bt is 
to root out corniptioti, and regardless of the world's 
opinion, I go to the loot: which is woman I prpsume 
the cap fitted ifhose gentlemen. Com. General G. paid by 
by our Governm^mt, is one of them His aunt, the old 
maid. Miss S. of C — e, (who kept her room several days, 
for shame, alter my book came out, becauj.e it told the 
truth,) put this in his head, and has turned him against me, 
Thisis noi ail, he has tuined Col. T. against me; and .thus 
we have a proof, at once, of the evil of priest-loving 
.women. This movement of Gen. G. and Col T proves 
they have litile value for the good of society, to say no- 
thing of 'he good of their country. I merely, hint that 
men who are governed by vicious women, and wish to 
conceal crime, are dangerous to oar jibf^rty, 

!i appears that both these gentlemen have not been 
altogether clear of traducing a highly respectable female. 
I liiuluce none: I come forward in the face of day. If 1 
he,ii ;uiy more of this effort to stifle crimes imd vice, be- 
cause v.i thf sex, I will open a scene of crime perpetrateiJ 
uuongst ihe.n, that will settle jhe business at once, 
*16 



I 



186 WASHINGTON, PA. 

Are not all the actions of females in all ages, recorded 
with the most scrupulous exactness? This is indispensa- 
ble, or we may give up history at once. 

I shall be told that historians confine themselves to 
great females — distinguished females, queens, empresses, 
dutcbesses; ladies, and princesses, and sometimes they 
condescend to mention the wife of an officer, and now 
and then an actress, but to descend so low as to notice 
common women, it was out of the question. I am not so: 
I contend that all women are like men, born free, and 
have equal rights, and " we are the most enlightened na- 
tion on earth." Our females are upon a par with the 
greatest in Europe! And let me ask, who polishes man? 
Is it not to woman we owe our civilization? What would 
the woild be without womeni* — A mere herd of savages. 
Softness, beauty, gentleness, virtue and charity, gives a 
grace to the female form that tames the savage heart of 
main. They are the mothers of our Piesidents, Senators, 
Generals, and Statesmen; and upon them alone hangs 
our future glory, or downfal, as a nation. It is to our 
females we are principally to look for our advancement 
in civilization; and from the boldness of their undertak- 
ing, of late, viz. to convert the world to chrisiianity: 
by giving birth to, and educating pious young men, it 
would seem they are perfectly aware of their weight in 
the scale of society. 

But for want of education, our women have lost their 
influence over men of sense and taste; and losing tlieir 
power over men, men themselves are no longer restrain- 
ed by charms, which no longer exist. Thus women 
have lost their power to attiact, and are left to herd to- 
gether and being neglected by one class of men, they 
have fallen a pre,) to another — the missionaries. Thou- 
sands of dollars are pocketed by these men, from the labor 
of these silly women in Washinjjlon county. Their 
whole labor, I am told, goes to the support of missiona- 
ries, or, more properly, church and state men. I saw 
the daughter, (an old maid,) of the tavern keeper where 
1 put up, working a lace veil, valued at 20 dollars, for 
the missionaries. 



WASHINGTON, PA. 187 

" That ancient heathen godhead, Molocfi, 
Oft stay'd his stomach with a huUock; 
Or if his morning rage you'd check first, 
One child sufl5c'd him for his breakfast." 

I took myself off— these madams might cook me for 
their dinner. 

The number of students at Washington College is 
greatly reduced, amounting at this time to no more than 
fifty. As my business was principally with the College, 
I did not extend my visit. I saw very few of the citi- 
zens: Mr. Griffin was all. I found hmj a very worthy, 
amiable man, of young appearance, mild and gentle in 
his manne s; ot middling size, with a round, tair face, 
intelligent, bright blue eye, and an accomplished geulie- 
man throughout. It strikes me he is an alloniey. 

I also heard of my friend, whom \ met in A'V'estmore- 
land, and was pleased to hear he was highly lespected 
in Washington, (where he resides,) by the liberal por- 
tion of the citizens; but am so unfortunate as to have 
lost his name. 

I ibund several gentlemen from the neighborhood, who 
were attending court. These were the tinest looking 
men I had seen in West Pennsylvania- remarkable for 
handsome people of both sexes. I took a list of all their 
names, and of the most distinguished students: but uulor- 
tunately the paper lell amongst those delivered to the 
school committee. 

The landlord was a plain good man; but the kindness 
of his son, I shall never forget, a most amiable young man; 
none of the male part of the family are missiouaries. To 
the disgrace oi my sex, the iron mask was the gentle- 
man's second wife. 

CANNONSBURG, 

Is hut eight miles from Washington. I had had such 
an appalling account of J( tierson college, that I expect- 
ed rather a rough reception, but was pleasantly disap-« 
Ijointed.^ 



t/ 



188 # GANNONSBU^G. 

1 was much pleased in the first place, with the towu, 
antl found the people kind, exceedingly so, and the ac- 
commodations superior to any I had met with since leav- 
ing- Steuhenville. Atter taking breakfast, the best I ever 
sat down to, I was shewn into a large elegant parlor, and 
the weather being cold, it was comfortably warmed by 
a large coal fire. Calling for pen and mk, i addressed a 
note to the President, Rev. Mr. Brown, who called in the 
course of half an hour. 

It has already been remarked, that Mr. Brown is stig- 
matized by many hard names, and looked upon with hor- 
ror by the liberal part of the community. Imagine my 
surprise, upon seeing in the person of Mr. Brown, a tall 
mild looking man, with all the softness and ease of the 
most finished gentleman! So much for hearsay! So near 
Washington, and yet the report I had heard, was rather 
confirmed there. How cruel I how unjust! is this world! 
For though doubtless, the college deserves all that was 
said to its discredit, and a thousand times more, yet, no 
part of the blame ought to rest on Mr. Brown, but upon 
the trustees, as at Washington college. I am truly pleas- 
ed that I called at Cannonsburg, as it may be the means 
of rescuing, the character of Mr. Brown fiom the foul 
charges alledgf'd against him. All that Mr. Brown ought 
to be blamed for, is prostituting his name and talents to 
the college. He i* however, going to leave it, as he finds 
the etforis to discharge his duties so cramped by the se- 
vere and rigid regulations of the trustees, he cannot 
subtnit to them. 

Mr. Brown is advanced in years, tall and slender, of 
very delicate appearance, and uncommonly mild and gen- 
teel in his manners. Neither he nor President Wyley, 
have any of that puritanical acid in their looks common 
to the sect, and both ought to stand acquitted of all blame 
for the degraded state of these colleges. I wa.-; un- 
able to procure the rules of the Washington College, 
as there were none in print — nor was there a catalogue 
to be found; I was more fortunate at Jefferson, though the 
rules and catalogue was dated in 1825. three }fars back. 
But such rules would disgrace a state prison", and that any 



CANNONSBUllO. 18f 

gentleman would send his son to a place where even the 
repetition of the vulgar language, would cause a blush in 
the face of the most desolute. Here are a few of them: 
"If a student be caught stealing — If a student be caught 
in beastiality." One would think they were familiar with 
those crimes themselves, and doubtless (hey are, else 
bow could they have thought of them, 
t This is fine language for the ears of gentlemen's sons. 
The d — 1 himself must have penned such ryles. This is 
all the effect of priestcraft, and if not shortly checked, 
must end in ruin And what makes it more dangerous, 
•hot one person in the whole state, so far as I have been 
able to learn, nor a single member of the state legislature, 
or school committees, vrere apprised of these abomina- 
ble rules, until F presented them myself Here is, where 
all our states have erred in suffix-ring trustees to possess 
such unlimited power over seminaries of learning. Every 
rule was alike absurd, obscene, and tyranical, and con- 
sisted principally in missioeary regulations. 

But since thepe rules were published, they have turned 
Jefferson into a complete missionary school, and the stu- 
dent have no time for any other species of learning. For 
instance, they must attend missionary, tract, and bible so- 
cieties, three, perhaps more, nights in the week, and sing 
and pray. The remaining nights, they must go from 
house to house, and distribute a certain number of tracts, 
call on all the femaks, (fine business for young men,) to 
collect donations, &c. Every Sunday morning they must 
repeat so many chapters of the bible, they must attend 
preaching three times every Sufiday, winter and summer; 
and as if this were not enough to exhaust the time and 
spirits of the students, tliey receive a tract every Sunday, 
if I recollect, which they must commit to memory, and 
not only so, but lecture on and define it; they must con- 
tribute a certain sum at stated periods for the spread of 
the gospel!! As if these regulations were not sufficiently 
degrading, they were marked on the margin for the press: 
one was "The reading of tracts strickly enjoined!" This 
appears to be the science of Jefferson. 



190 CANNONSBURC. 

Every nation and people have had their fits of insanity, 
but ours cannot b3 called insanity, so much as it proves 
we are unfit to govern ourselves: let us boast as we may, 
and by an unpardonable neglect of the one thing needful, 
education; we are divided into a poor set of slaves on ihe 
one hand, and a set of sly, cunning, hypocritical despots 
on the other. The latter ready to seize upon those rights 
we are no longer worthy to possess, since we no longer 
have the spirit to defend them — and lest these hypocrits 
should lose in the succeeding age what they l^ave gained 
in this; they have turned our colleges into dunce schools 
and brothels, so that the next age will not be likely to 
meddle with them. An army of women and priests would 
inarch as they now do, from Maine to Georgia. Ye that 
approved of colleges, why do you not see who are put 
over them? — Ye that voted for money to build them, why 
do you not see from year to year, what goes with it? 
Ye that send your sons to colleges, why do you not some- 
times see how they spend their time? Do you wish your 
children to become abandoned to all manner of wicked- 
ness? Do you wish them to put the finishing stroke to eve- 
ry thing manly, and to become brutes in principle, and 
worshipers of tyiants? If so, send them to these colleges. 
Ask the young men at Jefferson, how they spend their 
time when not on these religious duties? I hope the legis- 
lature will examine a few of these, when they take up the 
business. But I will exhibit a few facts. In the evening, 
some of the eldest and better sort of students called — 
Some of them were grown, and it appeared, had not been 
long at Jefferson, some tvere fiom Georgetown, D. C. 
and all seemed pleased with my visit, al (edging it might 
be an advantage to the college. I was much pleased with 
the gentlemen, and their judicious remarks. But these 
had not been in long before another party came, whose 
looks and the manner they intruded, I by no means approv- 
ed, nor was it long before their rudeness was ^uch, that 
before their fellow siude/Vs, I was forced looidt;r them 
out of the rnoai. Three or four of them arose an<i walk- 
ed dowB stairs, but one refused until I called the iand- 
Iprd. 



CANNONSBUKG. 191 

After sometime, two or three more arrived, as they 
,were of good appearance, I asked tb'.m to sit down, but 
the rude ones went oti'and brought a reinforcement, and 
was about to enter the house, wht^n the landlord discov- 
ereti them, and iu time to lock the doot* against them. — 
Can Pennsylvania hear this without a blush? And does 
stie contribute mont^y to this end? No such conduct was 
ever heard of at any other college, until this swindling 
business of spreading the gospel comm- -need. It would be 
an insult to the good sense, honor and fiiginty of Peau'^yl- 
vaiiid, to suppose she will suffer these colleges to remain 
anj longer in such hands: eleven are priests. 

An old field school, or any school not under th^ con- 
trol of these gospel spreaders, is greatly superior. 

All that appears necessary, is the new moddling these 
seminaries upon a plan to ensure success. I left the rules 
raaikeu on the margin and other papers, with the chair- 
man of the school committee, which is all I can do. 

I am sorry that amongst these papers, were the minutes 
I took of the young gentlemen whose conduct towards 
me, did honor to themselves. They called again in the 
morning and escorted me to the stage-house, where I 
took passage to Pittsburg. But these acts of politeness, 
were the effects of habit acquired before they came to 
the college, and had taken too deep a root to be destroy- 
■ ed by bad example. 

Another charge against these blue stockings, calling at 
the Post office to put in my letters, I was struck by a pile 
of magazines and tracts, piled upon a shelf franked to the 
posimaster; and I asked him the cause of this. He said, 
they wei-e sent free to him for the subscribers in the town 
and neighborhood, and to be distributed amc-ngst non sub- 
scribers. I told him if I lived to see Washington T would 
put a stop to it. This was not the first time I had seen 
these tracts sent free of postage, and the public swindled 
in this mauner by these state thieves. DoubtlesN, the mails 
are every where loaded with this trash, to the injury of 
the country. I hope the Postmaster General and Con- 
gress will put a stop to this open swindling. The pcst- 
master, a very clever man, was aware of the law, but 



192 RETURN TO PITTSBURG. 

was afraid to mention it lest be might offend tliese pick- 
pockets. Is this religion? 

The college buildings make a handsome show, upoa 
the top of an eminence, and there are nearly double as 
manj students here, as at Washington, but the town is 
not so large, nor the building so handsome, yet the situa- 
ti( is equally beautiful, and the country around it rich 
and fiuurishing. Cannonsburg, however, is going to de- 
cay.- I have seen no Germans in this part of Pennsylva- 
nia. 

Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the lai^- 
lord and his airiiable family, whose name I have lost^I 
do i)or know that I ever spent my time more pleasant at 
any tavern, and his charges were reasonable. 

RETURN TO PITTSBURG, 

I spent but one day at Cannonsburg, and took my de- 
parture to Pittsbuig, from wliich 1 designed to go toHar- 
risburg by the northern route down the Juniata. 

The day v^as cold and the road rough, as I left the 
Cumberland road at Washington. There were several 
passengers in the stage, amongst them was a very intel- 
ligf at Yankee lady, she did not go far; but we were con- 
tinually picking up travellers, whicli kept the stage full. 

As it happened, though not Customary, I contrived to 
have dinner with a cup oi tea the la^t stage. There was 
a genttel looking woman with a little girl, and when I 
proposed dinner, said she would like the tea, but she had 
the headaci) so bad, she could not eat. , ' 

When every thing was ready we sat down, and the la- 
dy seemed to torget her headach and forgot to pay. — 
This was a fine house, and it was a great piece of courte- 
sy in the man, as well as the stage- driver, to accommo- 
date me. 

We had a considerable distance to drive still, and the 
road led over hills and tiollows, but our horses flew; they 
were the handsomest set of horses I ever saw, in harness, 
four beautiful greys; such was their spirit and speed, that 
1 expected to be dashed to pieces, but the driver to whom 



UETURN TO PITTSBUKG. 193 

they belonged was the best of his profession, and manag- | 
ed the reins with dexterity and skill. 

The scenery was such, I found generally in west Penn- 
sylvania, eonsiriting of hills and dales, and covered with 
hanusome farms and lofty timber. 

We arrived at Pittsburg about sundown, and being in 
haste to pursue my journey, I spent but one day there, 
which was Christn^a-? day. 

As the northern stage went from the house of Mr. 
Ramsey, I sent up ray trunks to his house,,and spent the 
last night with him. This is by far the best house in Pitts- 
burg, and has few equals any where; and you are sure to 
meet with two very essential requisites at Mr. JR,. which 
are hne parlors and good company;- the rif raft wliich de- 
luge tlie oiher taverns, are not ad mi i ted here. This is the 
geiitieman who narrowly escaped being murdered by 
robbers on the Aih?gheny mouniains. 

The '^tory is as follows: Mr. Ramsey, it was known, 
went to the lower part of the state, perhaps Philadelphia, 
with a drove of cattle; two men who were travelling on 
foot, getting intelligence of' this, took a narrow view of 
his person and horse with a view of robbing him as he 
returned, supposing he would have a great deal of mo- 
ney. For this purpose they loitered near the road until 
he returni.:d from the sale of his cattle. 

It so happened that Mr. Ramsey swapped or sold his 
horse in the meantime, and the gentleman who received 
the horse, was nearly the same size and much hke Mr. 
Ramsej. 

It also happened that the gentleman returned the same 
road, and about the time; and so diligent were these men 
that b^ watching the taverns and listening to travellers, 
they knew the very day upon which Mr. R. would pass 
up the road. But it happened he passed one day sooner 
-than it was reported, to which alone he owed his life. 

He had seen and noticed these men as he went down 
with the cattle, and knew them again upon bis return, one 
Was carrying a gun on his shoulder, and both examined 
him very closely. He was suspicious of them at the time, 
aifldrodeon pr. ttv brisk. The next day the other man 
17— Vol. il. 



194 VISIT TO DENISTONTOAVN. 

came along upon the horse he had received from Mr. R. 
and one of the nien shot him dead. 

They found but little money, and hiding themselves 
near the road, were taken shortly afierwaids — one was 
huiig, and it strikes me the other was killed in his defence 
when they were taken. 

Several of my friends called on me the evening before 
I left Pittsburg, to take leave, and with the most live- 
ly feelings of friendship and gratitude, I paited with 
them over-night, as I was to leave the , place at three 
o'clock, A. M. 

When the hour drew near, I was called by a servant, 
and upon entering a parlor, I was agreeably surprised to 
find coffee, breati, butter and pickles on the table, prepar- 
ed by the kind hand of Mr Ramsey, who was up and had 
a fire, candle, &c. These are the men that disserve pa- 
tronage. Mr. Ramsey's sister was my fellow traveller 
with two others, who were Scotchmen, and though la- 
1}orers, were smart intelligent men. 

VISIT TO DENISTONTOWN. 

The northerli route leads through Denistoncown, Blairs- 
ville, &c. This was a source of much joy to me, as I 
was to pass through a country — the very neighborhood — 
the very houses — or where they once stood filiy years 
since. But I will not anticipate. The country was near- 
ly like the land generally between the Allegheny moun- 
tains and the Ohio, though the farms were by no means 
so large. This is easily accounted for, no Germans. The 
appearance however, is equally beautiful, and was dou- 
bly so to me, and every inch of ground was hailed with 
rapiure. How eagerly would I have embraced every 
tree, and kissed the ground upon which they grew. Den- 
iston! and the Loyalhannah! I thought of nothing else. 

The Scotchmen proved to be fine company, and were 
either singing or relating anecdotes the whole way. 

Sometime before day we stopped to change horses; 
Sawneys wishing to take a dram, the key of the bar could | 
not be found. The bar-keeper hunted high and low, but 



DENISTONTOWK. 19.5 

ajl in vain. The first instance, I suspect, upon record. 
The Sawneys disliked this, as the morning was sharp 
and cold, and recommended to the tavern-keeper to shut 
up his shQp, as he could no longer take care of the key, 
and laughed it off. 

At the house where we stopped to breakfast, I found a 
female of sina^ular appearance — she had arrived in the 
bar-room while we were at breakfast, and stepping in to 
pay the bill, I discovered her, and soon perceived she 
was in distress, though her countenance showed no de- 
. pressiort of spirit; her clothes were old, and patch lay on 
patch; she was on foot and might be near seventy years 
of age — she was a sfout robust woman, and her counten- 
ance showed the marks of intemperance, and she had 
walked all the way from Pittsburg, and still had some dis- 
tance to walk — we gave her a trifle and the landlord gave 
her her breakfast — one of her hands with part of her arm 
was shockingly burned, and I had a sly thought it was 
occasioied by drink. But she was a fellow creature and 
jn distress. 

Towards twelve o'clock, we parted with the lady but 
not beibre we came in sight of 

DENISTONTOWN, 

Which the lady showed me from the gate where slie stop- 
ped — I turned my eyes that way, and my heart palpitat- 
ed with a species of delight I had never before felt; I had 
indeed passed the whole morning in a delerium of pleasure 
when I was told we should pass through D'enistonstown; 
for of all places in which 1 had been tossed in those trou- 
blesome time, I had the clearest recollection of Deniston- 
town, though no tour was thought of then. 

It was two miles from where we p rted with the lady, 
but I remember nothing of it but the Loyalhannah, (upon 
which it is built,) was not more than half so large as ii ap- 
peared to me fifty years since. I used to think it a great 
river, whereas it is only a creek. A bridge had been built 
over the Loyalhannah at this place, bu! ihe floods had pie- 
vailed against it, and it is now useless, though its re- 



196 DENISTONTOWN. 

mains add no little to the scenery from its great heiglit 
from the water. 

I hastened to enquire for the Deniston family the mo- 
ment I descended from the stage, and was informed that 
one only of the name lived not half a mile distant •'■ '' 

I called for dinner, intending to wait upon him after I 
should have dined. 

Meantime there was a large party of young people at 
the tavern, upon their way to Biairsville, a few miles dis- 
tant to a Christmas ball, and among them happened to be 
a son of Mr. Johnston, who owns the saltworks ou the 
Eiskaminitas at the mouth of the Loyalhannah. 

From this young gentleman, 1 lieard from my sister, 
M'hom I had seen but twice in fifty years, and her hus- 
band never. She lived near the saltworks, and I was gra- 
tified to hear she had raised a whole brigade of fine large 
sons, who were becoming wea'.ihy and independent — 
The boys, Mr. Johnston said, were industrious and sav- 
ing, but the old man would drink too much, but an hones- 
ter man was not to be found. 

All this had something wild and novel in it, but would 
not have touched my heart, had it not caught the spark- 
of enthusiasm by associating the scenes of my childhood, 
awakened by the spot I now occupied — my heart swell- 
ed with unspeakable pleasure at the sight of the Loyal- 
hannah, upon the banks of which I had often strayed, and 
the sight of the place where I had trudged to school! the 
very farm upon which the little log school house stood! 
I was all delight. 

Meantime, while dinner was preparing^, 1 amused my. 
self with the rustic beauties, and who should stagger in- 
to the room but one of the holy willies, about three sheets 
in the wind-, I was instantly struck by the name and the 
likeness — was told the old man lived near Bedford, Penn- 
sylvania, arid being a widower, was upon the hunt of a 
wife. 

There appeared to be some truth in the story, as he 
w^as quite in a loving strain, and sung several obscene 
verses for the entertainment of the fair ones, whose blood 
rushed to tkeir faces at his vulgarity; notwithstanding all 



DENISTONTOWN. 197 

tbis, he was by far the best of tlie bunch — I wonder his 
holy brethren of Washington do not convert him: but 
wonders increase upon wonders respecting these godly 
people, and godlines!> is tlieoniy thing they are not guilty 
of He grew so bad at length, he had to be put out of 
the room. He was likewise going to the ball. At length 
I was called to dinner, and while in the act of dining, 
some of the family observed Mr. Deniston was m town, 
and I sent for him to come in. He soon made his ap- 
pearance, but little was he aware of my feelings upon 
viewing one so very dear to me — my heart throbbed with 
pleasure, and I gazed at him for some time without being 
able to speak; at length I asked liim, what he was to Nancy 
Deniston. I am her son, he said; and had it not been for 
shame, I would have rushed into his arms. And where is 
her husband John Deniston, and where is she, and where 
is the father and mother of John Deniston! My grand 
father and mother, are long since dead, so is my father 
Joun; my mother still lives and lives with me; I have ^ 
wife and daughters. It was at his grand father's I lived 
on this farm, but the house, he lold me. was long since 
lorn down, having gone to decay. 

Mr. John Deniston and his wife Nancy, of whom I had 
the clearest recollection, when 1 knew them, lived in the 
, samr- house with the elder Mr. Deniston — and were a ve- 
ry yoiaii^' and handsome cou|*lt-; they had but one child 
then, which many an hour I havf rocked in the cradle. 
This child, a son, is srill liviniiand had { known it, I mijiht 
ha.e seen him in Wheeling?, where he resides Mr Win. 
Di niston, the gentleman wifh whom I was conversing, is 
ahoui forty years of age, and born since I left tliat coun- 
try. Having gained his intelligence; Mr. D. said he 
Wuuld walk on and i could ride up to his hou'^e in the 
stage, which passed his door, and that. I might have some 
exuise to reiurn, (as I did not wish to trespa-s upoii his 
grtierosity,) I left my trunks at the stage-house, and rode 
on in the. s;age. 

From some misstatement in the papers they had been 
looking f /I meat Blairsville seveial day* before the ()ail: 
but on that day to a certainty; and the lady at the tavern 
*1T 



19^ BENISTON'^OWNI 

where I first stopped, and Mr. Johnston, endeavored to 
p^•rsuade me to go on to Blairsville with them: but this was 
vain, though the report that I was to be there had circu- 
lated widely, and all the young folks expected to see my 
ladyship at the ball, and no doubt some of the spruce beaux 
expected to have me for a partner. I felt for their dis- 
appointment, but resolved to breathe a few sighs to "Old 
Langsine" belore I saw Blairsville; where, nevertheless, 
I understood 1 had many warm friends, and was of all pla- 
ces most anxious to see. 

But there was & large party of young people also at 
Mr. Deniston's on their way to the ball. 

Mr. D. had arrived home some minutes before the stage. 
When he entered the parlor he found the party engaged 
in conversation about the distinguished guest they were 
to meet at Blairsville, and all were on tiptoe to see me. 
Mr. D, smiled, and just had time to apprise them that 
they would have the pleasure very shortly, as I was 
close behind him. 

When I entered the house my eye passed rapidly over 
the company, and a lady pressing through the crowd 
with great eagerness, embraced me with much ardor. 
I was forced to believe this was my old friend, and still 
I thought she looked too young; but who else could it 
be.? It was not Nancy Deniston! it was Mrs. Wm. D. 
who soon led me to my old friend, whose features I re- 
collected at the first glance: but, strangf^ to tell, she had 
no recollection of me! I was rather hurt at this, but was 
sufficiently gratified to see and know her. 

When the company dispersed I related several circum- 
stances to Mrs D. of old time — she recollected every 
thing but myself. This might be accounted for from the 
the nature of the times, as the country was much harrass- 
ed by the Indians, and for greater safety, many families 
■used to live in one house, though I do not recollect of 
any but myself at the time, so that I must have been very 
young. 1 was taken there to go to school, but as to 
how old I was I have no recollection, nor have I any idea 
«f the year: ii could not, from my present age, however;, 
have bee» less than fifty years. 



ANECDOTES. 199 ' 

Mr. D. the grand father of Mrs. D. was at that time 
about middle aired, and his wife about the same. These 
two, and Miss Jiosey D.. their daughter^ not grown, theif 
son John, and his wife Nancy, were all I recollect of the 
family. Miss Nancy and I used 50 crack walnuts in the 
meadow, and go to school together; and I used to sit by 
Mrs. N. D. for hours, and rock the cradle. Mrs N. was 
then, as she is now, a woman of very few words. She 
used to sit from morning tdl night witliout speaking half 
a dozen words; and was the handsomest woman of her 
time. 1 was very partial to her, as she was my name- 
sake: a circumstance that went far in those days. 

The old gentleman was a lively, good-natured man; 
and his son John used to trade over the mountains with 
pack-horses, and would bring home many handsome pre- 
sents for his wife One article, m particular, I recollect 
surprised me — it was lump sugar; also, loaf-sugar. But 
I was still more surprised that they should put the sugar 
on the table and not u'se it, and as they did not, I would 
not have touched it for the world. And so the sugar 
came and went every day. I thought it was a great piece 
of folly. 

When I returned home I told my mother, and she said 
they were Jersey people, who did not use sugar in their 
tea. Old Mrs. D used to be subject to sudden fits of 
sickness which often threatened her life. Miss Jinsey 
and I used to be greatly afflicted at this, and ran through 
the house in distraction. 

I think there were about twenty of us who used to go 
to sciiool, and would iiold the frying pan to cook the 
meat for our dinners. We used to have agreeable plays, 
where boys and girls, and even young men joined One, 
in particular, was called " The Juniper Tree?'' One 
person sat in the middle of the room, the paity taking 
hands, and walking around the person seated in the centre 
©f ilie circle, sang altogether a beautiful air to the follow- 
ing words: 

"0, sister Phoebe, how happy were we, 
Wlien we sat under yon junipf-r tree — heigho: 
Taku this hat on your head, to keep your head warm, 
Take a sweet kiss, it wiJl do you no harm, I know." 



200 ' ANECDOTES. 

■» .. 

At the conclusion of the verse the person wearing the 
haf, (there being but one in the company,) puts it on the 
head of the person seated in the centre, kissing her at 
the same time. 

1 was not fond of these plays, but being drawn into 
the Juniper, Tree once, and sitting in the centre, had to 
be hatted and kissed, which set me to ciying. The 
young man, (for it was a young man,) picked me up in 
his arms, and after pacifying rae, carried me out of the 
play. This is all I recollect of the school, except that 
I could read in the Testament before I went there. I also 
used to help to pen the sheep and calves, and was a great 
hen hussey. 

Mrs. Nancy D. could recollect every thing but myself; 
and we had a long talk about the Tilessrs Pars, Larry 
Irvin, old Mr, Blane, and old Mrs. Freeman, who was 
lame; and fleeing once from the Indians on horse-back 
to Shield's Fort, gave the alarm as she passsd by the 
neighbors, beating ti)e horse she rode with the beam of a 
pair of steelyards to urge him forward, while the Indians 
were close at her heels. The people never thought of 
fleeing to the forts in those days till the Indians were 
within a mile or two. 

Thus we talked of yore, while I called to mind the soft 
smile and blushing ci»eek ot my admired friend; and 
though she could not recollect me, she mingled with my 
feelings, and a.s 1 j^azed at her dtcayed features I could 
not fielp thinking of 'Auld Lang syne,' wlicn her face was 
round, plump, and beautilul. 

" We twa have stray'd about the brays, 
And form'd the garlands fine; 
We've wandered many a weary foot 
Since auld lang syne " 

I was better pleased with Mrs. D. than her mother- 
in-law. Had I been her mother, or some long lost friend 
she could not have shown me more atf-ciion. This 
matchless noman thought nothing in her house too good 
f(^r me Her hospitable table was soon spread with every 
flainty, and though I had just diued, 1 was pressed to par- 



ANECDOTES. ^201" 

1 ake of her bounty. The best room in her house was fit- 
ted up for my use. Hfir daughters, Miss Nancy and Ra- 
,chel and Mr Deniston himself oppressed me with kind- 
ness — I thought no more of the inn. Mrs, Wm. D. is 
one of the most fascinating females 1 ever met with m 
any country. I could not have believed so much perfection 
existed in the female form. Fair and lovely in her per- 
son, graceful in her manners; her soft beauteous blue eye, 
her sweet cheering smile, but, above all, that heart-re- 
freshing kindness that marked her every word and action 
— -she certainly is the pride of her sex. Mr. D. seem- to 
be aware of his happy lot, and values it as he ought; a 
more amiable or better matched couple I never saw! 

Mr D. has met with a reverse' of forfune, yet has a 
treasure, invaluable as it is rare, in such a wife. 

The have only two children, both daughters, hand- 
some, and accomplished in ever part of useful education. 
This is the place for young men to seek wives. You 
will always find daughters lake alter their mothers, let 
it be good or bad, with very few excf'ptions. 
/'It certainly added much to the pleasure of visiting ray 
niative walks to meet with such unlooked tor and unmer- 
ited kindness. But the half is not yet told: For immor- 
tal acts cannot be described by mortal words. Thus, 

" From the mild converse ol the virtuous fair, 

Joys unspeakable that glow, 

In the calm bosoms of the friendly pair." 

When we had interchanged the pleasures of friendship 
and feeling, I took counsel vviih my friends about visit- 
ing my sister. Upon inquiry I found she lived about 
eight miles distant, directly off of my road, and that this 
was the nearest point. If, therefore, I paid her a visit 
at all it was to be done from this place. I was, on the 
one hand, pressed for time; yet, on the other, as I had 
never had an 0[)portunity of visiting her in my life till 
now, and might probably never have one again, I consult- 
ed my friends upon the ways and means. Mr. Deniston 
was ne',> !• at the place, though he knew where it was,, 
and was at my service in any way he could serve me. • 



202 Anecdotes. 

I longed to see the place of her residence, particularly 
as I had once lived there prior to my residence at Denis- 
ton's-, and I recollected several circumstances which kin- 
dled in my bosom a strong desire to see the spot my 
infant feet had often trod. 

Of the road, no one could give any satisfactory account. 
It was a wagon-road, and a good Beai used by ivagons 
going to the salt-works. It lay on the bank of the Loy- 
alhaunah, and the "place I was aiming to see was at the 
junction of the Conamaugh and the former. 

But a serious difficulty arose! No carriage to be had, 
though all the horses in the place were at my service, 
and" as many to escort me as I chose to accept. Bur ihe 
difficulty: it was doubl/ul whether I could ride on horse- 
back. True, I had once been famous for horsemanship, 
but had never been upon a horse for six years! and I was 
doubtful as to my abilities to manage a horse now, parti- 
cularly if the road should be bad. 

All these matters were debated in full council, and it 
was finally concluded that " Mrs. Fly," Mrs. Deniston's 
Kiddle-mare should be saddled in the morning, and 1 was 
to try my skill, and if successful, Mr. Deniston, upon an- 
other horse, was to attend me to my sister's. 

After every thing was settled, it now being late, we 
assembled once more to partake of my favorite supper. 
This was a dish renowned in olden times, and a favorite 
with Mrs. Nancy D. as well as myself — mush and milk. 
Yes, Mr. Barlow, mush and milk, I like the name; were I 
to call it pudding not a soul in Pennsylvania would know 
what I meant. And Mrs. Nancy D. and myself joined in 
" a cup of auld lang syne;" and I loved her the more for 
her preference. 

Next morning I took an excursion over the farm, the 
barn, the spring house, the distillery, orchards, mea- 
dows, &,c. But chiefly my eye sought tKe spot where I 
had slcipped like a fawn, when young. *■' It was more 
to the south I should see it." 

Mr. D.'s farm occupies one of those enchanting swells 
fliat adurn this life inspiring country: which is one re- 
pressHiatiou of iarras, great barns, and vales, and grove% 



Anecdotes. 203 

of inexpressible beauty. The people of this country 
have no idea of the beautiful region they inhabit. I ob- 
served this while I stood glued to the spot, unable to 
withdraw my eyes from the tail, slender trees; while, 
never haiving se^^n any othrr forest,- Mrs. D. viewed the 
scenery without any emotion; and I should certainly have 
done so too ha<i I, like her, have spent my days hi the 
same place. We saw the bright Royalhatniah winding 
througli hills and farms to a great extent. This and the 
trees yielded meinlinite pleasure. For the timber, there 
is no parallel, not even the umbrella trees of New York; 
as these are choked up by an under-growth, but these 
towering trees usurp the whole of the forest. You see 
through them for mil«s, while they unfurl their silken 
branches, and reach the clouds in aiiy pride. 

When we returned to the house Fly stood ready sad- 
dled, and Mr. D. and the Miss D.'s, all the servant, and 
the distiller to see my essay on horse- back Fly and I 
seemed to like each other at first sight, and Mi. D. 
vouched for her good behaviour. " She was very de- 
cent, never took fright or stumbled, or was known to be 
naughty in any respect." Fly seemed to confirm the 
character by drawing up, of her own accord, to the 
wooden block for me to mount, and made a niotion with 
her head, which seemed to signify, " No ceremony, 
Madam, I am genuine back-woods ; I know nothing of 
the milhology of pagans, or the di inity of modern tracts: 
least of all do I trouble my head with drawing rooms and 
high life: it is just the same thing with me whether 
Adams or Jackson be President, or whether there be 
any President at all. It is the same thing with us ponies: 
we have always our share of labor let who will be Pre- 
sident; and as for admitting one of us honest and faithful 
quadrupeds to a share of the administration, it would be 
the last thing I should expect at their hands, though they 
no doubt admit worse animals; and although we can do 
very well witliout them, they cannot do without us. This 
is some comfort." 

Fly switched her tail and lifted her head rather angrily 
at my delay, and gave a leer at her mistress, as I suppos- 



204 ANECUOTES. 

ed, to ascertain the meaning of this new order oi things. 
Fly IS raiher advanced in years, of mi;idlirig lieif^'ht and 
weight, rather handsomely formed, light and active-^ 
answering lo her name She was a dark /?i ey, and had 
a fuH, soarkling eye; her couiivenance was open and gay, 
thougli 1 perceived a great deal of the coquette under 
this disguise. 

At length I ventured on the saddle, which vtas held by 
Mr;-. D. herself; and tlie word was given lo " baia Cf^ — 
tight rein, &c." and otFImoved, or rathe; Fiy moved, 
very .gracefully down the road! 1 rode just as well as if 
I had practised lor a month, and soon teil into a g«ntle 
pace. 1 hope some of my friends of tiie nine will preparf^ a 
neat tpitaph lor Fly, and b<^ sure to recollect that she 
once carried the famous "Mrs. W r S — — tt, of Ame- 
rica;" and It't Noah Webster put it in the dictionary. 

The road from Pitisbur^ to Harrisbuig is from west 
to east, and we quit the road a little above the village, 
and took a southern course. 

With a view of showing me the spot where once stood 
the house in which I used to rock his brotlier in the 
cradle, (John was his name,) Mr. D. threw down fences 
and opened gates, and conducted me to the spot! The 
spring looked small! and the meadow looked small! yet 
I had some recollection of all. " There stood the house," 
said Capt. D. pointing to a spot of sideling ground with 
his switch. My eye rested upon it in silence, striving to 
recuilect the situation of the door, A large gate used to 
stasid betore it — '' And where was the gate" — '' Just 
there," said Mr. D. " a few steps from us near a small 
d'^ain west of the house " At that gate i stood, and cried 
after my mother as she rode away, after leaving me at 
the grand father's of the gentleman now with me, which 
has teen noticed. 

A iaige pile of wood always lay near this gate, and 
men choped it with axes; and 1 used to pick up the 
chips and cany them into the house. " Bui where was 
the spring, and the spring-house.-'" " There, where you 
ser those clusters ol bushes; the spring- house was just 
below it." I now recollected the place perfectly, and 



ANECDOTES. 205 

my eye traced out the well known course of the once 
trodden path, which wound up a little rise, wliere ihe ca- 
bin stood in which I used to go to school, and where we 
played the. Juniper Tree! 

Ye who have been torn from the haunts of your child- 
hood, and after a separation of half a century to enjoy 
the felicity of seeing those sacred spots, endeared by 
innocence and a thousand recollections, will know what 
I felt! To be borne on the stormy sea of life almost an 
age, far from the scenes of youthful innocence, to which 
your heart was wedded, and would give worlds to see! 
thus, on a sudden, to hail those dear and " long between" 
but never Ibrgotten shades, where oft 1 used to sii and 
weave the many colored leaves, and stray after a May- 
apple, was joy unutterable! Nor do I believe i]t possible 
for any situation on this side the grave to impart so high 
a share of rational pleasure. 

Mr. D indulged me sometime, and it was like tearing 
my heart and body asunder to leave the spot. The mea- 
dow too! and the same walnut tree under which Miss 
Jinsey and 1 used to sit and crack the walnuts, and pick 
out the kernels as a treat for her father and mother. She 
was a most affectionate child to her parents. She mar- 
ried a Mr. Kiikpatrick, (if 1 recollect.) I saw a so!<g of 
her's after this, !?ut I forget whether she be living. But, 
strange to tell, the meadow did not appear half sp large, 
nor dir any thing except the trees, appear to retain its 
former size. 

We next passed a large apple-orchard, on the sanae 
farm, but it was not in being when I left the Loyalhannah, 
though planted thirty years since. 

He led me on the bank of the Loyalhannah, to show 
me the old seat of Larry Irvin and his wife Ruth, and the 
Messrs. Pars, all respectable in their day, t)ut now no 
more. The house of Mr. I. was on the opposite shore 
on a steep hill-side, and overlooked the river. The old 
.house was gone — what a pang it gave me: but another 
was built on the same spot, and Just such a one as be 

18— Vol. n. 



206 ANECDOTES. 

lived in fifty years since.* Larry was a short man, atid his 
wife F ulh very tail. They had no childven.t 

The Pars was on our side of the river I recollected 
both, as f-ach had been a place of refuge from the Indians: 
it being the custom, in those days for several families to 
assemble a! ojie house. 

Not far from here we lived, (if it could be called liv- 
ing,) at a place, I think, called Moor's Hannahstown 
was five miles from hence, and contained a fort, and we 
were continually running either to it or Shield's, the lat- 
ter a little over a mile fiom the former. 

We still hung upon the Loyalhannah, and passed se- 
veral Indian g)-avt:S, killed in an engagement since 1 left 
the count! y, and the former residence of old Mr. Blane. 
This had also been a place of gathering together, and I 
remembered it well. The house not tlie same, but stood 
in tlie same place. The barn, the sprirjg-bouse and the 
meadow W( re familiar to me. But this meadow, like 
that at Denistori's, was but a speck. I used to titink it 
boundless, whereas it is only a patch! i cannot account 
for this. Mr. Blane at;d his wile were old people when 
I knew them; had no children, and were wealthy. He, 
the Pars, Larry Iivin, and the Denistons all emigrated at 
the same time from New Jersey, and were all wealthy. 
But, io return to Mr. Blane — the old lady took a little 
too much now and then, which proved a-gieat source of 
trouble to me; though I was often relieved by a bound 
boy they had, by the name of Patton. Patton was near- 
ly a man, and was the only person that could manage 
Mrs B She stood in great awe of her husband when 
sober, but put him at naught when tipsy; and then Patton 
had to take her in hand. There was an old nine-tailed 
wig about the house; and, of all things, Mrs. B. had the 
greatest antipathy to this wig. Patton had put it on her 
so often, that the very sight of it would set her to raving. 
The wig had belonged to the ancestors of the family, who 
were of the first respectability, and were from Ireland. 



* Equal to Waverly. 

t He was l^illed by the limb of a sugar-tree after I left the country, 
and Ruth married again. 



ANEClJOTfiS. 207 

It had been thrown about from post to pillar, and so 
roughly handled by Mrs. B. that it looked like any 
thing more than a wig; and, for my {:^jirt, the tirsi glimpse 
I had of it I took it for a racoon skin. 

Patton wtis between 18 and 19 years of age, stout 
built, not very tall; his face was broad and goodnatured, 
and he understood work both in doors and out He 
could cook, wash, milk the cows, churn, reap, mow, 
plow, hoe; in short, Patton was the life and soul of ihe 
lamily, and nothing could be done without Patton. All I 
can remember of Mr. Patton's dress, is, that he wore 
bucksin breeches; and, in summer, neither hat, shoes nor 
stockings', and his hair was profuse and bushy. By way 
of dress, he sometimes wore leggings and moccasins. 
But Patton had too much upon his hands to dress every 
day — every 'hing fell upon him. He had to act as cook, 
buiier, laundress, dairy-maid, wood chopper, ostler, 
plough man, and hay-maker. 

Meantime Mrs Hannah Blane, when sober, would 
lend a hand, but she did more harm than good; and if 
Patton was not upon the alert she would undo in three 
minutes what he had labored three hours to accomplish. 
She would overturn the pans, pots, and kettles, over- 
set the milk, claw the butter, cream, &c. and Patton 
had no resource but to seize her round the waist and 
throw her forcibly on the floor, and tie the wig on her 
head, as often wrong side foremost as right. Often, how- 
ever, she would seize the wig, and terrible scuffles would 
ensue, in which the wig always had the worst of the bat- 
tle: while I used to look on trembling with afright. Not 
willing, however, to expose his mistress, when company 
was present he would merely show her the wig, with a 
significant nod — this was enough, and restored peace for 
the present. 

One day Mr. Blane, as he thought, having secured all 
his kegs and bottles from his wife, and being harvest 
time, had a number of hands eugaged to assist him, and 
after Patton had assisted with the morning's work, he 
went to the field also, leaving Mrs. B , another woman, 
and myself to prepare the dinner ibr the hands. 1 could 



208 ANECDOTES. 

do hut little, such as bring a small vessel of water, wash 
the potatoes, or set the table. 

Hannah, however, was too cunning for the whole of us, 
anc; (Heaveji knows by what means) she had contrived 
to &f'\ a bottle of whiskey, and before we knew what we 
were about, she began with her "dear creeter," a word 
that denoted her failing, and "I say," was another — "I 
say riepr creteer, the big pot must goon." "Oh, madam, 
we doni. want the big pot, we will boil in this and bake 
in that, and the fowls." Hannah would hear nothing. "I 
say, dear creeter, tliis tiig pot shall go on;" and on it 
went, and in she soused every thing pell-mell, vegetables 
atid all. 

She was witli all her faults very stingy, and though 
she had plenty of provisons, she would stint the work- 
hands if she could. They had some spoiled beef on hand, 
which Mrs. B, did not despair of palming upon the 
workman sometime or other; and as drunkenness proves 
principle, she thought this a good opportunity to cheat 
the workmen with the- beef. 

The w'oman finding argument vain, quit the premises, 
and desired me to tell Mr. B. that Mrs. B would have her 
own way, and she would be of no service to him, or 
words to that eflFect, 

Every one may guess how matters went now, cabbage, 
potatoes, beans, &c all spoiled in the big pot, and Mrs. 
B. tumbled over and went to sleep, leaving me to manage 
matters at my own discretion. I always had a bad 
time of it with Mrs B. but this was the worst of all. I 
shall remember it while I live. I could not have been 
more than seven years of age, but had sense enough to 
keep up the fire, and fill up the pot with water, but the 
fire would singe my clothes and burn my face, and at one 
of my attempts to get water in the pot, I inadvertently 
trod on a log which rolled on the floor, and I very nearly 
fell into the fire! what was to be done now'' 

I plucked up courage and taking the broom-handle, 
rolled the logoff the floor, and busied myself in hunting 
up the knives and forks. 



ANECDOTES. 209 

Mrs. B. arose about the dinner hour, in a pretty good 
humor, called nie "dear creeter," and to hand h.-r the la- 
dle and the tlf^sh-fork, and the big pewter dish, and the 
little pewter dish, and betVA'een forking and dishing, and 
fishing, she and I placed the dinner on the table; 1 was 
then sent to the spriuii; house for milk with my little pigin, 
,aind then to the field to call the men to dinner. "' ■'" ■ ' 

We had a shell by which Mrs. B. used to bl'jblV'lhetnen 
to their meals, but she was past blowing now. "" "'' 

Walking by the side of Patton, I let him into the secret 
of matters at home — he muttered a few curses and walk- 
ed on before the compan}', and entering the house amidst 
tjie buz of the flys and odour of the meat, found the old 
jvdnian "dear creeter," sitting with her red eyes and 
stewed countenance, scarcely awake. 

Patton soon came to a resolution, and without the as- 
sistance of John Doe or Richard Row, brought hif= suit 
of et\actmcnt againt the whole squadron, and pitched the 
whole of it out of doors, as far as he could send it, pota- 
toes, beens, cabbage, all were again scattered upon mo- 
ther earth for another crop. It was the only time I re- 
member to have seen Patton in a passion. Meantime Mrs. 
B. was not a silent spectator of Fatton's short work — she 
giveted him with "I say," and meaning to say it was as 
sweft as a nut.^ and red as a cherry. "I say, it is as red as 
a nut and as sAveet as a cherry." Mea:;time the men came 
in. Here w^s a lesson for drusiken wives, eight or teti 
hungr}' men, who had borne the heat of thr day, hard at 
work, and nothing pr spared to eat. Bu* Hogarth nor 
Wf^sl could paint the looks of the old man. He had an im- 
pediment in his speech at ail times, but had now lost all 
utterance, outright. 

H*" with the others entered the house jusf as Patton ivas 
in tiie act of carrying the meat to the door to throw it 
an ^■■, and getting to leeward as fast as they could, the old 
iDHa sui veyed hi>; wifr in amazt-ment — at length he found 
Utierance; wh wh-wh-vvhere is the wo-wo-wo-wig — d- 
d il-d — n her old soul, wh-wh where did she get the 
wh-wh wh-whiskey. 
*18 



210 AnkcdoTEs. 

Patton after clearina: the table, produced the wig and 
running to the pot, ladled out some of the grease and be- 
spattering the wig vvitliit, sho\yered a copious portion 0^' 
flour upon, it, and tieing it hard and fast under hjs oiis- 
tress' chin, told her she might sit at the head of the table* 
She began with '-[ say." But Patton had something else 
to attend to; and calling me to follow him, he took a plalp 
and tin bucket, and proceeded to the spring hpuse for but- 
ter and milk. "I say, Nancy you shant go with Patton." 
We proceeded however, and Patton filling his bucket 
mostly with cream, and laying on as much butter as the 
plate would liold, not less than four pounds, we retjirnecl 
to the house. 

],; Meanwhile the old lady had retired to a little back 
shed to avoid, what she could not prevent, the mirlh of 
the party, and the anger of her husbaiid, and by the way, 
she had evidently taken a few more of the droops, a3. ap^ 
peared in the end. 

The only chance now left for the workmen, was to stay 
their hunger upon the milk and butter — tliere was plenty 
of bread and onions, and Patton soon had it in readiness. 

Mrs Blane, however, suspecting Patton had made an 
inroad upon the contents of her dairy, grew restless, and 
hearing the plates rattle upon the table, came forth with 
her powdered head, and the tail ofthe wig dangling over 
her face, and eyeing the plate of butter with something 
that migi)t be called rage, and holding her self up by the 
side ofthe house; she began, "I say Patton, you shall not 
waste my butter, it is too much, take it back, take .it 
away, I say, they shant have it." Patton paid no atten- 
tion, and picking up courage, she ventured to walk to the 
table, but losing her balance, she made but onestep of it 
and pitched with her facp upon the plate of butte^'! The 
reader must imfta:ine the resl, for I have no recoHection 
of what followed. I laughed until I fainted away; such 
another laughable scene I nf'vi^r saw bef<:jre nor since. 

It was never ascertained how she got the whiskey that 
day, a.' there was aone within, six miles^ but what was in 
the field— she must have procured it out of^the keg be- 
fore it was taken to the field. 



AjlECpOTES. 211 

I could fill 9 book with the incidents of Mrs. Blane and 

PDffou. /'"■'^":7!,-'" 

The old man had a distillery of "ms own, and used to 
Jceep his whiskey barrel in the spring- house, and when 
he drew enough to serve him a certain time, he woui4 
cut off the peg even with the head of the barrel Qui 
day, however, he perceived the barrel grew light, he had 
drawn but once out of it, and tutiiiag the barrel about, he 
essayed to speak thus: ''Na na-nti nancy," he said, (.1 was 
then in the spring house witli him,) "hoho-huw is this, 
so-so-so-soniebody has been at my whiskt.y." I told him 
I did not know; and after examining the end ntxt to the 
wall, he discovered where his wife had followed his ex- 
ample, b^ first boring the head and having a peg to fit it, 
cut it off even with the head, (no such thing as faucets in 
those days.) But instead of one, she had live pegs. Mr. 
B. was outrageous. "D-d d-d — n her soul, she has ti-fi- 
fe-five stopples tor my one " 

My parents used lo leasee us where they thought we (on- 
ly, niy sister and myself,) would be safe, and wouiti go 
to their farm, but very often called to see us — my sisier at 
this time was at some other house, i'he people in ttiose 
days we^e kind and affectionate to each other, much uiure 
so than now. Traci.s, bibles, piiests and missionaries have 
destroyed every thing like charity, beijevolence, lov^ 
and friendship, exr.ept between the women and the aiis- 
sionaries. 

Bui to- return — my mother calling to spend a few days. 
at Mr. Blane's, wasemployed in spinning tow; she kept 
her tow in a barrel, and taking some of it out, she found 
a bottle of whiskey. Mrs, Blaiie coming in at the instant, 
exclaimed, "my dear creeter, that is just a little drop I 
had for you and me." 

Mrs. B. however, has long departed this life, and [joor 
old Mr. Blane after weathering many a storm, was at last 
killed by the Itidians a few jaids Irom his door. Pe^ace 
to his name, he was one of the best of men. 

All these scenes were recalled to my memory, as I pass- 
ed by the door, and glanced at the spring where I used 
to hold the candle at night, for Patton while he strained 



gl2 Anecdotes. 

the milk — and over the meadow, where I had to 
cool water for the mowers. 

The place was unoccupied, and stillness seemed to rs^st 
upon it. "Roll on fair spring,." I breathed as [ pur,sue.d 
my way down the road to meet '.\ith other scenes ofyo;;e, 

jNear this place, on the summit of the hill, stood an 
enormous tree, which over-topped its neighbors, and like 
th^m ivas desolated by fire. At the junction of the limbs 
with the tree, there was a; lar^^e eagle's nest, which had 
remained'there, time immemorial, and was still inhabited 
by the bald eagle. .There were three of them, two of 
which were of amazing size and strength. They would 
carry large sticks of wood to their nest, for miles, as stout 
as a mar's arm, from three to five feet in length. Stand- 
ing in our door, we could see them evei-y day, (at. the 
season of feeding their young,) carrying tish from the 
Loyalhannah, We saw the fish distinctly struggling in 
their tallons; sometimes they would drop them, and dart- 
ing back to the river, soon re-appi^ar with another. They 
always pass each olher on the way. And were constant- 
ly adding to their nest, which could not have been less 
than four to five feet in diameter, and it was supposed 
the weight would finally break down the tr^e, ' ' 

We jogg'^l along slowly, the day was fine, and evrry 
thing reminded me of old times. The road passed on a 
high ridge, between, which and another, the Loyalhannah 
stole along. We found ^some.difnculty from Mr, D's. ig- 
norance of the road, and though we san' the house of my 
sister at the distance of two miles, we travelled at least 
five before we reached it. 

The house stood on a hill, which Captain D. caHed 
Mount Pisgah, and compared our journey to that of the 
windings of the children of Isreal, as we nearly encom- 
passed the hill, before we found it arcessahh'. At len.,th, 
ala'iy whom we fell in \vi!h, said, thei-e is Mi". Cowan's, 
and giving her palfrey a cut, paced off. 



MY SISTEK. 213 

MY SIST£R. 

The house looked much like those in the neighborhood, 
and the laud was fertilej but an empty barn! my heart 
ached for my sister. But it was the handsomest situa- 
tion in the country, and the tirst of the family who made 
their appearance, was about half a dozen pigs, who salut- 
ed with a grunt, and tails curled up gave us the path. 

I was determined if I did not like appearances, to re- 
turn with Capiain D. if the contrary, to spend the night, 
and let the captain return alone, and some of my sister's 
family might retuin with me. 

All this was settled between Mr. D. and myself, at our 
first setting out from his house. It was also settled, that 
I was not to disclose my person, and that we were to 
pass for travellers. Finally, I resolved to stick to Fly 
until, as the phrase is, 1 saw how the land lay. I knew 
nothing of the people, they might be savages, they might 
be missionaries, they might, be civilized, and they might 
not; they were oil strang-ers to me, and I determined not 
to venture neck and heels too suddenly amongst so form- 
idable a force. 

My brother in-law, I had never seen, my sister but 
twice, and one of the sons, Jmi. But i had a powerful 
Hio'ive, independent of all this, to visit Mount Pisgah.— 
Tltougl] I have never mentioned it yet. Mount Pisgah was 
noi unknown to me. It was the first place we settled af- 
ter removing froiVi the State of Maryland, to the back- 
woods, as it was then called. I recollect the camp we 
lived in at first, the spring, and a large gang of wolves 
which trotted by it one day, when I went for water, a 
pauh of corn, and several other things. But how 1 got 
upon the top of Mount Pisgah, I know not — but the place 
was still dear to me, and 1 was anxious to see it. 

When rising the top of the hill, I perceived a well 
dressed, genteel looking young man, which put me in 
heart — he was neatly dressed throughout in broadcloth, 
ani was walking slowly into the bouse; but seeing us, he 
stopped until we rode up, bj^ which time seveial other 
good looking young men, stepped out into the yard, and 



214 MY SISTER. 

seemed to view us with much surprise — by the time we' 
reached the front of the buiidina;, my sister, for J iiad 
some recolJecf ion of her person, sti.od in the door. 

Mr, D. saluted and asked, if Mr. Cowan lived there, 
the young man replied, he did. — Mr, D. then addressing 
himself to my sister, asked, if he could leave (Ids lady 
there a while, as he had a little further to go. My sister 
assumed a most inhospitable frown, and knitting brow, 
said, yes, I suppose she can I nevertheless, was loth to 
dismount, for though pleased with the young people, I did 
not like the cold eye of my sister — and after viewitsg her 
sometime, I asked, if Mr. Cowan was at home.-' he was 
not, but he will be at home in a short time. 

Mr. D. now took me from the horse, and I walked slow- 
ly into the house, and looked my sister in the fa*-.e, to see 
if she would recollect me, and finding she did not, i ask- 
ed her if she had no recollection of me. No. Do you not 
suspect,'' I begin to suspect now, said she, you must be 
my sister. Yes, and we saluted. The children then came 
Hp, (or rather the young people, as they were all growt\ 
but one,) and saluted very friendly, but I set my sister 
down as a missionary; I was not far wrong, she was a 
mighty pious methodist, and gave me a less hearty 
» welcome than any of the famijy. They had just re- 
turned from a party in the neighborhood. 

None of their sons lived with them, excepting a boy, 
those I saw,, were merely there upon a visit — most of 
their children being married and gone. 

By degrees ray sister grew familiar, and seemed much 
pleased, and the young ones remaikably so. I could not 
praise the neatness of her dormitary and parlor, which 
formed a great contrasts to Mrs. Denison's. But she could 
not attend, to her domestic concerns as she had to go to 
meeting. My next enquiry was after James, my old ac- 
quaintance — he lived some miles off, and the little boy, 
(poor little fellow, I never saw him afterwards,) was sent 
otF on horse-back to collect as many of the family as he 
could. But hearing they lived near Blairsvdie, I was 
sorry the boy went, as they did not arrive before I left 
ffee place. Ail my pleasure now, was confined to amus- 



MY SISTER. 215 

ing myself with the scenes, and the old gentleman when 
hi ^houKI ar'« ivf . Mr. D. finding I was coiueiiled, gave 
me a strict, charge to keep Fiy safe, and took Ins depar- 
ture. 

It was not long before I paid a visit to the long vemem" 
ber^d spring, said to be the best in the country, i remein- 
bered Vis situation, and the hollow below it, where the 
wolves trotted bj me; but s^oodhes^Iit seemed to be ihre^ 
times the distance (hen! My sistei pointed out thespqt 
where our little cabin stood, I had a veiy cifar recogni- 
tion of it also — but the spring was familiar and the stream 
that issued from it. 

A ioan (iailing at our hut one day, asked for a drink, my 
mother sent me with a tin cup for the water, as 1 drew 
near the spring, a large gang of wolves, as I found ajier- 
wards, troited across the sprmg run, witiiout deigning to 
stop or look at me. W h» n i returned to the house, I inr 
formed my mother, I, saw a large gang ot dogs, at the 
spring. It is wolves, I'^il bet, said the man. And doubih-ss 
were, as the woods swarmed witlr (hem. This is the tirst 
knowledge I had ot the name, or nature of the wolves — 
I have often reflected upon the circumstance si. ce, and 
am surprised they neither testified tear nor hostility. 

At another tour to the spring with my tin cup, I was ter- 
ribly beset by a snake — I was running along and meeting 
the snake in the path, he disputed the passage, and 1 took 
a circle round, him— on my return 1 kept a look out, and 
discovered him in the same place, with his eyes fastened 
on me.r I discovered from hi* looks, he intended to attack 
me, and I had no resource but my heels, keeping my eyes 
on him, 1 creeped along slowly, and as 1 expected, he 
darted after me, and flinging away the water, 1 ran for my 
lijie to the iiouse. the snake pursuing me lo the door. Tfie 
woods were then alive with snakes, and every species of 
wild beasts and game, came to the house; and no end to 
fish 

I spent some moments at the head of the spring absorb- 
ed m extacy. In short, I enjoyed more pleasure from ttic 
time 1 came in sight of the Loyalhannah at Oenistontown, 



216 MY SISTER. 

than I ever thoug^ht was within the power of human abil- 
ities: yet every thing looked less. 

At length Mr. Cowan came. I had charged them all 
strictly not to discover who I was, as I could have a 
better opportunity to ascertain his character, and wantin* 
amusement for the afternoon; the old gentleman was one 
of the best timed subjects, I could have wished for. 

He is rather under middle height, very thick and cor- 
pulent, and quite old, his head was as white as cotton, he 
looked old enoug-h to be my sister's father: she being quite 
a young looking woman. His face was fair and round, 
and his countenance open and honest, his eyes were blue, 
but they were nearly shut, from having taken too much 
Christmas times. 

I had no intelligence of his approach — but guessed it 
was him; he was dressed in a grey overcoat — and as he 
came in, clapped Mrs. Cowan on the shoulder in a man- 
ner, that showed he both esteemed and respected her — 
well old woman, 1 have got back again. I see you have, 
said she very mildly. I was afriad she would scold him. 
The children too, behaved very respectful — not a I'rown 
marked the countenance of one of them. 

It was sometime before he observed me, and merely 
bestowed a transient bow, and said, Who is this.'' I re- 
turned the salutation, and told him, I was a traveller — 
ba<i called to spend the night, and had received a very 
kind reception from his lady, and hoped I had his appro- 
bation. To be sure, he said, you are as welcome as the 
flowers in May, and turned off very unconcerned, and ad- 
dressed the family about the party, &.c. After sometime, 
looking very earnestly at me, he observed; you are a good 
looking woman, any huw. But never asked me where I 
was from, nor where I was going, or any impertinent 
qtiesiions whatever, which gave me a very exalted opin- 
ion othim — casting liis eyes on me again; he made the 
same remark, you are a good looking woman, lei you be 
wtioyou will, and t'll be bound a sensible one 1 irem- 
bled, lest he might ask my name, bui he did not. Draw- 
ing his cfiairnear tT)e, iu' sat down vUid said, Jaithyouare 
the smartest looking woman 1 have seen this many a day, 



MY SISTER. 217 

and if I was widower, I don't know that I would stop 
to court )ou. I laughed and said, he honored me, &c. — 
He seemed to attach himself to me, and at length began 
to sing a masonic song, and sung very well — when he 
finished the song; I told him I was a mason's widow, and 
was, very parliai to them. He was much delighted, and 
pressed my hand with great warmth, while the soft tear 
stood in his eye. Thus we passed the time «ntil dinner. 

After 1 took my seat at the table, he came up and said, 
Well, I will take a seat by my noble sister. Meaning a 
mason's widow — this was close guessing. Tea had been 
made for me, and my sister, forgetting herself, asked. Do 
you use milk in your tea, sister. Ah, said Cowan, sister, 
a methodist, I suppose .-' Well, I do not think the less of 
you for that, neither — my wife is a great methodist. I 
could not bring myself to use disguise any longer, and ad- 
dressing him immediately, said, I am your sister sir. Oh, 
yes, I know you are my sister. Meaning masonry. But I 
am actually your sister, sir, T am Mrs. Royall. Oh, you 
love to joke too. I am serious, sir; ask your wife Yes, 
said Mrs C. it is my sister. Now is it possible! I'll not 
eat another mouthful to-day; (and dashing down his knife 
and fork, caught me by the hand,) I thought you were 
something past common. While the tears ran down his 
cheeks. It did appear, he had some presentment — he al- 
most ran crazy with joy, and it was genuine. 

Absorbed in my own reflections, I knew not half this 
kind man said. It was enough to see his heart was no- 
blp, warm and generous; his sons are sober and indus- 
trious, stout, fine looking men; there were, however, but 
three present: there are eight in all living, and four 
daughters! I saw two more of the sons afterwards, and a 
son-in-law. The rest had acquired money and gone to 
the west. 

I perceived that my sister felt proud of her children, 
as well she might, though they were very deficient in 
education. 

i have no idea of the period we settled this place, but 
think it must have been about the beginning of the revo- 
lution. We were the last hoise of the settlement be- 
19— Vol. II. 



218 THE HEUMIT. 

tween there and Pittsburg, if we except the Peerys, who 
lived at the mouth of the Connemftugh, where Sahshurg 
now is, I inquired for the Peerys, but they were all 
extinct. 

An old man by the name of Stephen Rybolt, lived in 
the wilderness about ten miles beyond us, and remained 
there, throughout all the wars, till the day of his death. 
He was a German, without a family, and lived the life 
of a hermit, without any human being or animal, e^xcept- 
ing a dog, whom he called Wasser. 

He was an old man then, tall, slender, and swarthy, 
and bent from age; his chin was long and pointed, and 
his cheek hollow; but his countenance was bright and win- 
ning, and his conversation highly interesting. He came 
into the neighborhood at stated periods usually hung 
round with a great number ol gourds. These he would 
give away to the women, and some he would fill with 
lard, salt, &c. It did not appear that he, like the herm.ts 
o! «i, lived upon vegetables. He had lived in the wil- 
derness from the earliest recollection of the inhabitants, 
neither afraid of, nor molested by the Indians. He called 
to see us often, and used to tell us that he charmed the 
Indians; and by calling his dog, (for he always kept a 
dog,) Water, it prevented the Indians from using their 
charms, (which he believed they could,) to stop him from 
barking, as you could not stop water from running. He 
was evidently superstitious; but, strange to tell, his su- 
perstition seemed to enable him to set fear at defiance. 
He walked with a long staff in his hand I remember 
hint ' m.ore distinctly than any occurrence of Mount 
Pisgah. 

Stephen Rybolt lived till within a few years since, and 
rhu.st have been the oldest man at his decease in America. 
Before he died he was berit nearly to the ground. 

I am sorry that 1 am unable to tell the cause of his se- 
questering himself so far from the haunts of men. 

No great length of time after our settlement on Mount 
Pisgah, we fled from the Indians into the neighborhood 
of the Denistons', &c. which has been narrated. Many 
particulars of interest relative te this part of West Penn- 



SCENEllY. 219 

sylvania, will appear in, (if the fates permit,) " Letters 
from Alabama." 

A( this place I sung, for the first time I have any re- 
collection of, " Fire in the Mountains;" and learnt to read 
also. I recollect this well: after receiving from my fa- 
ther a little insight into the sound of the letters, and put- 
ting them together, I went out and sat alone upon a small 
stump befoie the cabin door, and went on through several 
pages by myself, and learnt to read in the course of the 
evening. The joy I felt at both these acquirements was 
unspeakably; great. 

I have already observed we were compelled to leave 
this place soon after it was settled, and from that time to 
the present I. never saw Mount Pisgah. Nor do I won- 
der at Mr. Deniston, or any body else, for not knowing 
where Mr. Cowan lived, or rather perched, being ia- 
accessable but at one point. 

SCENERY. 

But it is a real "isgah, and has its Moseses and Aarons, 
and its Children Israel, and rods and rivers, and canals 
and salt-works, and forests and milk and honey. My 
Yankee friends, during the last war kept calling out 
** Where are our Moseses and Aarons to go before us 
Onto battle.^" They have only to go to Mount Pisgah. 
The Pink, or Noah Webster must have ^ been amongst 
those Yankees. We, of the west, wanted neither Moses 
nor Aaron to lead us to battle, nor to pray up a resolution 
or pray it down, as in the Hartford Convention. 

This hill is level and rich upon the top, and well wa- 
tered; and upon it, principally, my sister has reared those 
lusty sons. It is the handsomest situation in West Penn- 
sylvania, commanding a view as extensive as it is rich 
and beautiful. The house, which can be seen several 
miles distant, commands a view of the three rivers. It is 
built upon the verge of Mount Pisgah, precisely at a right 
angle with the Loyalbannah, overlooking a precipice of 
about 3000 feet. The Loyalhannah, as straight as a line, 
runs down, at a right angle with the door, to the base ©t" 



220 SCENERY. 

the Mount between two hills richly clothed with the 
most beautiful timber. This river turns suddenly round 
the base and empties into the Connemaugh. Thus, you 
have a view of the Connemaugh, the Kiskaminitas, the 
Pennsylvania canal, Saltsburg, the bridge, and the Loy- 
alhannah. But the beauty inimitable of the scenery 
arises from a happy combiration of images: like a well 
woven wreath, 6very thing is in its place — every shade 
and attitude is happily matched. The Loyalhannah, 
rough and foaming, but straight, the Connemaugh, wind- 
ing in a smooth serpentine; the Kiskaminitas, flowing in 
a f'voad, smooth stream; the symetry of the canal; the 
ruial village; the sea- like meadows, all intermingled 
with a towering foliage in nature's richest dress. Ima- 
gint yourself raised to the sudden height of from three 
to four hundred feet, and embracing an extent of three 
counties, in harmonious stillness, while you are seated 
aloj; upon an even green, which seems to sit smiling at 
the rolling streams, and all the airy gems of polished na- 
ture. Such is the view from Mount Pisgah: but chiefly 
I loved to dvAcll upon the Loyalhannah, It was the only 
image of the whole I recollected. 

The shape of the Mount is an oblong The surface 
may contain from 90 to 100 acres, strong land; and the 
best peach-orchard I have seen in Pennsylvania. What 
a retreat from the world ! It equals the most extravagant 
romance. Such is the view from Cowan's door. When 
I took my last look of this, I seemed to leave my soul 
behind! The spring, where the wolves passed — the dim 
path, where lay the snake — the slope, up which the her- 
mit Stephen used to come. But how shall I bring my 
swelling heart — yes, how — to touch the tender strmg 
which, and forever, binds me to the small traiiquil spot, 
where waves a small sugar tree, as if to perpetuate the 
day, when surrounded by the lords of the forest, I sat 
upon the low stamp at the cabin-door and learned to 
read ! 



SALTSBURG. ^ 221 

SALTSBURG. 

Earl J' the next morning, accompanied by my sister, I 
reUmird, as'the stajjje lo Biairsville passc^d Capi. Denis- 
ton's at 12 o'clock, and I, was fo proceed in it. Fly was 
brouifht out and saddled, 'ind faking leave of the f'aaiily, 
sue soon brought me to the river. 

About halfway to the river, as we wound round Mount 
Pisgah, we saw a large deer bounding gracefully through 
the woods. 

When we came to Kiskaminitas w^e left our horses and 
crossed the river in a. terry-boat to Salt^burg, a new, 
flourishing town at the junction of the rivers, upon the 
ca^al, which is completed some distance towards Pitts- 
burg, and is to meet that at Juniat^a at Lewistown. 

After viewing the canal I walked towards the town. 
I had seat word to the managers by a young Qian, who 
crossed the river with us, of my name and arrival. As 
soon as he ireceived the news, he sat otf to meet us It 
proved, however, to be Mr. Dram, the brother of my 
friend of Greensburg. He saluted us very friendly, and 
conducted us to the first tavern, and observ^ed the visit 
was quite unexpected, as they were afraid I would pass 
wittioul calling. 

Wishing to see the engineers, Mr. D. went to apprise 
them. Their boarding house was not far, and I waiied 
till 1 knew ihey must have had time, aud finding they 
were not in sight, and my tin'ie pressing, I called to my 
sister to return, and re-crosst^d the river. 

Our horses were a short distance down the river, in 
the care of a boy, jtiid I being l.anie took a straight course 
to a house on the road side, and my sister proceeded to 
forward the horses Not liking the looks of the house I 
sal down upon a log and waited their arrival I sa.v my 
sister and the boy advancing, and at length observed her 
stop and speak to some person over the river. She then 
moved briskly towards me, alid said, ''There are several 
gi.kiileaiciu crossing the river to s'.-e you, and they heg of 
you not to go till th«y arrive." She was mucli surpi ised 
that so great a mark of respect should be paid me, and 
*19 



222 ♦ SALtSBURO. 

seemed, for the first time, to think that I must be somcT 
body, indeed. 

I suspect no ferry-boat ever crossed a river in so shnrt 
a lime, and the gentlemen soon reached me, while I laugh- 
ed at their narrow escape. Thsy laughed too, and con- 
gratulated themselves upon their fortunate escape: for, 
had they not redeemed thei credit, I certainly would 
liave laid it on hard. 

Mr. Randall, the principal of the canal, took all the 
blame upon himself, saying he was at breakfast when the 
news came, and ipt dreaming that I would leave the 
place so soon, waited to finish his breakfast All well 
enough— we were all merry upon the occasion. I was 
glad to see gentlemen; and they were delighted. I had 
but a minute to spare, however, so unforiunalely was I 
situated: though! would gladly have spent a week with 
those amiable, friendly people. But I have no pleasure 
in travelling, separate from the public, or rather they 
have the pleasure, if there be any going, and I have the 
pain. 

The gentlemen who came over^ besides Mr. Drum, 
were Messrs. Randolph, E R. Livermore, a Yankee, 
LafFerty, a lawyer, — a pretty good turnout for Saltsburg. 
These were all genteel, friendly men Mr. Drum was 
much such another as his brother, but younger, with 
warm manners and the finest face in the world. Mr. 
Randolph is a tall, good figure, oval face, and hlue eye; 
his countenance and manners very engaging. Mr. Laf- 
ferty, a warm-hearted Irishman, and among the first to 
make his bow: 1 was particularly struck with his friend- 
ly manners, his fine figure, full, dark eye, and fair, oval 
face. The other gentleman, I think a lawyer, is a (all, 
slender, very young man, his face a fine oval polish, with 
a large, soft, dark eye. Mr. Livermore is also young, 
and interesting in his features, all round, full, and hand- 
some; and the whole of them were as familiar as though 
we had spent our days together. This, however, is ge- 
nerally the case, as 1 am familiar with the public by re- 
port. What a victory this was over the old maid niis- 
sfionaries, to have such a party of handsome swains in 



SALTSBURti. 223 

my train. This was the greatest honor ever paid nae;* 
and considering the time and place, ii lias acqmced lor 
its generous actors an imperishable name. 

1 find in nfij notes on the same page, a mhmte of a 
Messrs Sterrei and McFarlin, of which I have no dis- 
tinct recollection, as hve only crossed the river: hut, 
that I met those gentlemen, either there or in the nei^h- 
borliood is certain. They are thus described: Mr. Mc- 
Farlin is a tall, stout figure, round, fair, oval face, and 
dark ^ye, and of genteel manners. Mr. Sterret is de- 
scribed as a stout figure, handsomely shaped, oval face, 
open countenance, blue eyes, and very genteel manners. 

When aboui to part with my friends, from the restive 
manners of Fly they found much difficulty in placing me 
in the saddle. They piocuif^d a chair from the house, 
but found it impossible to succeed without something of 
greater height, and walked on, carrying the chair some 
distance, to a tall stump, upon which I mounted, by the 
aid of the chair, whiie it required their united strength 
to hold Fly steady, and interchanging the most cOrdial 
wishes for each others happiness, we parted. 

Thus acted the generous sons of this proud State! I 
wished, for their sakes, I had been a daughter of Penn- 
sylvania. Buf it was of no little amusement to wit.ne.ss 
the surprise of my sister. Shb seemed puzzled to ac- 
count for those extraordinary honors. She had lived 
amongst them lier life time, and might probably live se^en 
life times willioul veceivitiir as many marks of respect as 
were paid to me in the couisc, of a lew minutes. 

The canal is 28 feet wide at the bottoiii and 48 feet at 
the top. The workmanship is well executed, but the 
locks are of wood, very long and narrow. 

As we rode on, my sister pointed out the house of Dr. 
Kiikpatrick, the sou of my friend. Siie was perwnally 
a<qi!ainted, and proposed to call and introduce me, re- 
presenting him in very favorable teims. The house stood 
near the road, and an avenue leading to it: we rode 
tidwn to see him. 

The D-'Ctor had been at Capt. Deniston's the prece- 
* flmg evening, and lieard 1 was in the neighboriiood, and 



224 BLAIRSVILLE. 

seeing US ride toward the house, suspecling the truth, 
very polite,!}^ waited to meet us. I meiely saluted and 
inquired after his welfare, as ! had no time to lose. 

, The Doctor is a yourg man, and quite a light figure, 
with delicate, handsome features, a sweet countenance, 
aud the most engaging, friendly manners in the world. 
But 1 was doomed, as hefore, to tear mysrlf from him, 
th' ugh I know of none \'\i'h whom I would sooner jjave 
s\}e.A an hour. He is said to be eminent as a pliysician, 
and has a haiidson e practice: a man of his address, how- 
, ever, must alwa3'^s succeed. 

About 12 o'clock we reached Mr. Deniston's, where 
tea and every thing was ready on ihe table, waiting my 
arrival, as the stage was expected every minute The 
Captain and his daughters were absent at a funeral; I 
therefore missed the pleasuie of taking liiem by the hand; 
at^d after snatching a hasty dinner the stage called, and I 
took leave of my sister and the Mrs. Deniston's and de- 
parted, well assured that I never sh<dl iuok upon the 
like of Mrs. William Deniston again. 

The aftftrnoon uas pleasant, and I had a charming 
drive through a most delightful country to 

BLAIRSVILLE. 

It is situated on the Cunnemaugh, and called after Mr. 
Blair, the principal in making the great northern road. 

This road has been made within a few years through 
Hui.nngtoni Lewistown, and thence to Hartisburg, a inw 
miles below the Blue Mountains. The canal also passes 
by Blairsville, and is in a great state of forwardness. 
Blairsviile is the most flourishing town i have seen in the 
Slate. Here is the road, the canal, salt, iron and coal in 
great abundance, tiie country rich and flourishing, and 
such is the rapid growth of Blairsviile thai r has the ap- 
pearance of enchantment — one hundred houses are now 
goH-.fi; up 

Four years since, there \^ as no house where Blairs- 
.ville (Stands! It con ain> 1200 inhabitants, and five chuich- 
es! It has more activity and industry, in jproportion t© 



BLAIRSVILLE. 225 

the inhabitants, than any spot I have yet seen in the 
state, and is inhabited by a noble, lively, generous peo- 
ple 

I find this road is a paradise compared to the middle 
routf-; 1 would go an hundred miles round to see the peo- 
ple; where as I am told, if any, it is the nearest — and no 
mountainji! I have understood that those numerous ridges 
of (he Allegheny, are scarcely perceivable. And here 
is also, rich scenery, a bold ridge runs parallel with the 
Comiemaugh, which, and the canal with its locks and 
dams, and the numerous workmen, all in view from a 
gentle eminence, on which the town stands; added to the 
bustle and activity of the town, was truly an interesting 
picture. 

But the cheerful and friendly manners of the inhabi- 
tants, were alone enough to render Blairsville an inter- 
esting spot. No missionaries here but one, and he is har- 
rassed out of his life. They have balls too, and common 
sense, and are the happiest people in the state. 

My/riend William Jack, directed me to stop at Mr. 
M'Anulty's. 1 also had a letter to Mr. M'Cabe, a law- 
yer, and from his partiality to m'e, of which I had heard; 
I addressed him a note from Pittsburg apprising him of 
my intended visit. This led them to look for me sooner 
than I could possibly arriv^e, and in one word, Mrs. 
M'Anulty was fit to devor me, and first and last, almost 
killed me with kindness. 

1 had been but a short time in my room before Mr. 
M'Cabe came in; I was partial to the man and longed to 
see him, and had mtended dropping him a note, but notes 
were needless — they were all looking out, and the news 
soon flew, and Mr. M'Cabe lost no time in paying his res- 
pects, nor was this all, others flocked in, and my room 
was constantly filled. 

Two gentlemen from Ireland, by the name of Grier, 
lived opposite; they are brothers, engaged in mercantile 
business, and are among the first people in the place. 
They were remarkably pleasant in their manners, and en- 
gaged much of my attention. The ladies were distin- 
guished for gaity of disposition and sprightliness of man- 



226 BLAlllSVILLE. 

ners, and we were all romp and play, like so many chil- 
dren. 

Mr. Grier having seen my books, would threaten the 
ladies. Ah! Mrs. Rojall is coming, she will fix you, she 
will put you in the Black Book. But Mrs. M. Grier, was 
amongst the first who called, and I was charmed with her 
wit and elegant manners. Wiien she returned liomc, she 
told Mr. Grier; I have heen to see Mrs. R. and she likes 
me too well to put me in the Black Book. She told me 
plajtully, they almost scared her to death with the Black 
Book. Mrs. Mark Grier, is a stout, young handsome wo- 
man, with an oval face, and fine blue eyes. Her counten- 
ance is open, gay and benevolent, and indicative of great 
wit and good sense, and one of -the most facinating wo- 
men I ever met with. Her husband, Mr. Mark, is an ex- 
emplary man, hospitable, kind and generous, he is the de- 
light of every eye, is a small man, and very handsomely 
featured, with the softest blue eye innature. The young- 
est, Mr. George Grier, is much like the first. 

When they are gentlemen, the Irish are not surpassed 
by any people on the earth; and no people have rvarnier 
hearts.* First and last,' these gentlemen behaved to me 
with all the disinterested dignity, generosity, and polite- 
ness, common to gentlemen in every sense of the word. — 
Their kindness is written on my heart. Mrs. George 
Grier, is a.small lady, very handsome and equally kii^. 
and polite. 

Mr. M'Cabe is alike entitled to the esteem and respe'Ct 
«f every liberal mind, and laid me under many obligations 
to him. Mr. M'Cabe is a thin light figure, with an oval 
fair face, delicate features, mild countenance, soft blue 
eyes, and very genteel manners. He is of middling height, 
quite a young man. 

Mr. Stewart Davis is a lall slender man, very fair, with 
golden hair, oval face, fine blue eyes, and of amiable 
manners. 



* I shall ever esteem the Irish since they rallied round me in this pi- 
ty, when I was in the clutches of the Blackcoat^. 'We'll stand by you 
M>%. R ' This chivalrous declaration, has effectually won my good 
(ipinion and regard. . 



KLAIRSVILLE. 227 

Thomas Johnston, Esq. from the neighborhood, is a 
stout, noble (igurc, and open generous countenance. All 
the gentieofien of Blairsville were distinguished for polite- 
ness and hospifality. Several of tKose were engaged d& 
engineers on the canal; of these were Mr. Johnston men- 
tioned, also Mr, AlouzoLivermore, of New-England. Mr. 
Livfrniore is ayouiig gpnteel man, and seems to hold the 
firsi place in conducting the canal. He appears to have 
the best education, and appertains to the first people of 
New-England, Tiiese Yankees I find, are every where 
sougitt for, whf^rever scipnce is required. 

Thomas M'Farland, Esq. perhaps the same mentioned'"* 
a few pages back, is a most amiable man. 
'■'Mine host Samuel M'Anulty, is a stout young looking 
man; round fair face and soft blue eye — as an innkeeper, 
Mr. M'. is not surpassed in his calling — he is uncommon- 
ly mild and soft in his manners, iow in his charges, and 
keeps a first rate house. 

■; Andrew Brown, Esq is a middle aged man, an attor- 
ney, I think, of very pleasing manners. 

But as great a favorite as any I met with, was Mr, Mul- 
hollin, the postmaster-, a most gentlemanly and worthy 
man. 

I was sorry I had so short a time to spend with these 
amiable people. Wishing to give a faithful picture of 
Pennsylvania. 1 had extended the time, until the wea^- 
ther was growing cold. 

I was beyond measure pleased with the citizens, and 
had the pleasure of seeing a few of my nephews, Messrs, 
Edward H Day and James G. Crow, the latter, th© 
barkeeper; both excellent men. I think these were the 
cream. 

It will be recollected, my sister sent off for her sons, 
some of which lived near this place. But not knowing 
I would leave Mount Pisgah so soon; they travelled there 
and arrived a little before my sister from Denistontown. 
I presented her with a vo-ume of the Black Book, and they 
were so eager to see vvtiat was in it. They read it through 
thai night, and returning to the neighborhood of BlairSi 
ville, called on me the same day. 



228 BLAIIISVILLE. 

,'My old acquaintance James, looked older than his mo- 
ther, had a wife aiid children, and was a mfthodist! they 
all have long faces. But poor James, though I plagued 
Jbim enough about his canting hypocrisy, I was glad to 
see him. 

Robert, the one I had seen at his father's, came also, 
and a son-in-law of Mr. Cowan's, Mr. Henry Gibbons, 
quite a genteel man, and well edui-ated. They, behaved 
very respecrful, bought books, and were much pleased, 
I was truly so 

Afier they look their departure, Mr. John Cowan, ano- 
ther of my sister's sons came; he was accompanied hy 
his wife, a very genteel looking woman. John was the 
best looking and most manly of the whole, and said to be 
the most industrious I think he told me he made $30 
pe! day, boring for salt-water! He is a giant in size and 
a handsome mail, though hard of hearing This man will 
be rich it he lives; for he alrrjody owns several lots in 
towns. There were others in the neighborhood whom I 
did not see, and others again had gathered money and 
gone to the western states. They are all sober thorough 
going meiii, and lack nothing but education to render them 
amongst the first men in the country. John and his wife 
spent the day with me, with appaient pleasdre, though 
Mrs. Cowan said she was almost afraid to come, having 
heard I was .such a great lady, and James said, she must 
speak proper, and all that stuff. It was his religion, or 
rather the want of it. cau.s?d him to say this. Both John 
and his wife were well spoken, genteel and very intr-rest- 
ing couple. 

It was hard I could not spare one evening to visit them, 
but the dear creatures stayed with me until dark-^— and 
when we went to tea, I found Mr. C had spoken for an 
elf^vant supper, and after supping together they took leave, 
havirijT but a short distance to go. 

All the peopje m this region are remarkable for good 
size, i^reat mpdesty, and a keenness of '^ounte.iance pecu- 
liar, and form a wide contrast to the people on the other 
road. 



EBONSBURG. 229 

A petrefied fish was shown to me at Blairsville, a cu- 
riosity. It was found in sight of the town, m the middle 
of a solid rock, fifty feet above the surface of the river. 
It was a foot in length, with the scales and fins entire 
and perfect. The fish was of solid stone, of a very dark 
color. It was broken about the middle, and was a peif.^ct 
stone throughout. Hope the Pmk, or Walsh, or Noah 
Webster will favor us with a learned dissertation on the 
subject, and put it in the Dictionary. 

The third day I left BlairsvilK: late; travelling this fine 
country in the dark, over chesnui-ridge, where there was 
no ridge; slept at Alexandria, and arrived next morning 
at 

EBONSBURG. 

It was provoking to travel over so much of the country in 
the night; it was near twelve o'clock when we arrived at 
our quarters, and had to start again at three o'clo'^k, A. M. 
. Ebonsburg is on the top of the Allegheny mountain in 
a dense forest of the tallest hemlocks, perhaps in Ameri- 
ca. This was the scene of Harry Hemlock, and the 
three judges — never was a name more appropriate! It 
was equal to the Black Book. 

Ebonsburg is settled by Welsh, and a few Irish and 
Scotch. The mountain forms no perceivable elevation. 
But how they cut through such a dense forest, is extra- 
ordinary — here grow the tallest trees I have seen to this 
day, they are a singular curiosity. 

We arrived at Ebonsburg ;-arly in the morning, where 
I stopt for one day. I have always been partial to the 
Welsh from their character, and from having married a 
descendent of Llewellen prince of Wales. The name, 
Royall, denotes Welsh; having the double 1, which is pe- 
culiar to them only. I was not long in Ebonsburg, which 
is in Cambria county, before the Welsh flocked in, and 
crowded around me with great ardor and affection. The 
day was very inclement and cold, but this did not pre- 
vent those dear people — 1 loved them all, and look their 
oiFered hands; nor was ever joy more mutual. The 
20— Vol. II. 



230 EBONSBUllG. 

real Welsh fresh from the mountains— their features were 
peculiar, and faces small, with a singular hiUepeudence 
of countenance. 

There were some of my own name amongst them, 
whom I did not bee. These own a whole countr}, which 
lits on the Alles^heny mountains, and proves they have a 
prrmanent fondness for mountains, as they could have 
purchased land any where in the union. 

The Allegheny at this place, produces all sorts of grain, 
gra^^s, vegetables in abundance. Their farms were ex- 
tended in all directions round the town, and above ail peo- 
plf , they have the most contented look. They have a 
very handsome college: the town is neat and flourishing. 

These people might nave been the happiest of the hap- 
py, had it not been for that curse, priest-craft; and where- 
ever this curse fastens her fangs, the reign of terror 
begins. The Scotch, always dead going Presbyterians, 
began this business, and have drawn into their scheme, 
the innocent unwary Welsh, who pray and preach, tracts 
and bibles, by the gross; and have introduced such rules 
into the academy, that the liberal of all parties have with- 
drawn their patronage, and the building is now unoccu- 
pied. This wide spreading evil is destroying all our sem- 
inaries. What business had they here; in this abode of 
innocence, on the top of these mountains.'' — the d — Ihim? 
self would not have pursed innocence so far. 

The split in the college, is that the blue-skins want a 
Calvanistic president, and the liberals will not consent to it; 
and the money bestow^ed on them by the legislature stands 
idle! — lost to the state! and to all parties. The cost of the 
building and the funds are considerable. Was there ever 
a nahon so mad, to be giving, and always, and eternally 
giving, to discipline troops for the great struggle I am 
astonished that none of our great men have had the cour- 
age, nor the curiosity to ascertain what those people 
mean by this great struggle. It has a very emphatical 
meaning, as I see it is eternally referred to, and seems to 
be a watcli word, and a watch-word by which they have 
matched through the United States, and have an arn y of 
regulars. Since writing this article, 1 tind their articles 



EBONSBUIIG. 231 

of warfare and creeds, on every table and desk inourex- 
ecutivt," licpirtments; they grow bold. I took secretaries, 
cbifC clerks, and messengers to task about the danger of 
encourai,>,ing these people in this open and barefaced man- 
ner. "They were in the department when we come, ear- 
ly ia the morning, how are we to know who brought 
thf,m?" If I-were a secretary of war, or a secretary of 
peace, or entrusted with the treasury and arms of ihe 
natioa, i should suffer no traitors to enter my camp. "They 
can do no harm Mrs. R. we have all the money and mus- 
kets." A fig for muskets, when these traitors open all 
doors, enter women's bed-chambers, as I have seen them, 
and range through all our departments. "Thej are brought 
in without our knowledge." This is a fine tale; and why 
are the departments not better guarded.'' What is to hin- 
der these traitors from taking possession of every depart- 
ment, and every arsenal in the government, at any mo- 
ment? Nothing. In the capacity of spies, they go over 
the whole United States. In all capacities they encom- 
pass the land. What business have they to open doors 
and go in where our state papers are.'' I would be happy 
to know this — there must be treachery somewhere What 
sort of messenjjers have we, to suffer these traitors to en- 
ter their master's cabinets. I find these pamphlets on every 
table. This shows what an enlightened nation we are, 
to encourage such swindling. What is to hinder them to 
seize our muskets? Nothing. And this not the worst, they 
have corrupted many of the clerks, E is at the head of 
the bible society and St. C is president. I hope they will 
soon get their walking papers. It is bad enough to have 
traitors without, and not within our camp. 

But to go back to the policy of the legislature — These 
"good sound" hypocrites ask for money, and get it. Only 
to ask. 

"Who would object to so laudible a thing, as giving 
money to instruct the ignorant.''''' Very true, it could not 
be better applied. But for want of common sense, the 
money has done more harm than good. I hope to hear 
no more of chartering colleges If legislatures give money^ 
let thena see that it is put to the use intended. 



232 EBONSBUllG. 

The first who honored me with a call, was Dr. Young-. 
an alniable man. The Dr. is young, middle sized man, 
with a noble countenance and regular festures; his man- 
ners candid, mild and genteel. 

Mr. Lewis, with a real Welsh face, is rather low and 
heavily made, of middle age, round fair face and blue 
eyes. In his manners, he is plain, frank, and friendly. 

Mr. Ivory is a tall, stout, and very muscular fine look- 
ing man, with an noble eye. 

Mr. Stewart Steel, is an attorney, a tall, slender, fair 
young looking man, with a very keen eye, and a sensible 
countenance. 

Messrs. Moses Cannon Noon and M'Donnald, are also 
entitled to notice. M'Donnald particularly, who kept a 
tavern; was remarkably polite, and a perfect gentleman. 
He is a man of family and education, and lives in a large 
handsomely furnished house. I was charmed with his 
manners and his family, with whom I took tea. 

Shortly after my arrival. Gen. Smith from Bedford, 
who was in Ebonsburg, apprized of my presence soon 
called and brought Mr. McDonnald with him, when I 
received a polite invitation to spend the evening at his 
house, and never was I more astonished at the taste and 
elegance of his family, and the style of his equipage. 
Mrs. McDonnald is a young accomplished woman, though 
the mother of several children. Being people of educa- 
tion they are taking much paines with their children and 
keep a Governess in the house. It was truly interesting, 
on the summit of the Allegheny, to see those little girls 
advancing in all the finer accomplishments of the sex. 
They were drawing and embroidering when I called, 
which constitute a part of their education. Mr. McDon- 
nald and his lady are from Ireland. He is one of the 
Trustees of the academy, but was about to resign, as he 
was unable to benefit the institution. The tavern at which 
I put up was well kept and very comfortable, but not 
equal to Mr. McDonald's, the latter is one of the most 
pleasant men in the world. 

I saw some of the best specimens of painting in the 
neighborhood of Ebonsburg I ever witnessed, which 



EBONSBURG. 233 

were said to be done by an insane man. It was life itself, 
thf design and the whole execution was itiiaiiiable 

Amongst the wonders of the niountains I iound a nalu- 
rai genius, a Welshman, who had made a set of iai-ge 
chuHih organs without any instructions whatever, ids 
nauji- is Joim Lloyd, -'he Post Master of Ehonsburg 

I took leave of my kind friends the m- xt day, aod a 
biit.^r cold day it was. I had passed the Chesnut rul^e, 
Laural Hill, a.id a good part of the Allegheny in the night 
but without perceiving any elevation in eitiier. Tuis 
evenness continued till we drew near Bialrs Gap, where 
the Allegheny Mountain ends. 

In the course of the day I passed the head of Conne- 
maugh and one of the heads of ih^ Susquehanna, two 
small springs within one hundred yards uf each other. 

1 had no company in the stage but a lady arid her pi^et- 
ty litite daughter, who had be^n upon a visit, and we 
suffered much iVom the severity of the cold. The lady, 
she informed me, was the sister of M. T. Simpson of 
Washi!!0on City, agent of the General Post Office, a 
place ot some trust under the Post Master General f 
knowing Mr. S as a gentlemanly man I was not a liule 
pleased to drop in with his sister, whose pleasant 
and agreeable manners, helped to beguile the rigor of 
the day. 

At Blairs Gap I had the pleasure once more of meetiag 
with the all accomplishe I General Smith. .These 
rencounters with the same person was truly pleasing It 
was certainly a treat to meet him twice in a strange 
place. He was on his return. 

After introducing me to the tavern keeper and seeing I 
had every thing 1 wanted, he took me by the hand and 
departed. 

Tile Sawney at Ebonsburg told me he had an aunt a;t 
Blaiis Gap, an old maid, the great grand mother of all 
the missionary societies in a hundred miles round, and 
expressed a wish we should meet. 

t There is another S. also in the General Post Office, not worfh 
his salt. 

no 



234. HUNTINGBON. 

The tavern keeper's wife was a double distilled mis* 
sionary, the fiercest monster I ever saw, a daugiiter of 
old Mr. Blair, and her husband a very clever man, be- 
tween her and the old maid had a hard time of it; I tried 
to inviegle the old maid into an interview but she was too 
cunning. I amused myself with.^ie landlady, her eyes 
fairly turned green with rage, she could have torn me to 
pieces—" She loved good people^^ she said, " I thought 
madam you loved us heathens." She darted out of the 
room and refused to wait upon me, but I soon called her 
back and told her "I expect to pay you madam, atfenl ta 
your duty." She complied and growled like a She Bear 
all the while. > 

I pittied her husband, who suffers himself to be hen 
pect by these two women, 

I had another cold ride and arrived at Huntingdon upon 
the Juniatta about an hour before day the next morning. 

I stopped at the stage house but not liking my quarters 
I sent for a friend after breakfast and desired him to look 
out for a more agreeable house. It may be thought 
strange, I should have a friend in a strange place; but it 
was even so. I had a letter from Gen. Smith to several 
gentlemen, and sending for the nearest [Mr, Bell] he soon 
came and went off to procure me a house, but never was 
I in such a house before nor since. 1 had no fault to find 
with Mr. M'Connel, but, his house did not suit me. He 
is a Seceder, and nhat that is the heaven knows. Those 
religious people need not decry farces and plays. For 
there is no greater farce tlian they represent, and though 
called by different names, thev all come out upon the 
stage, make a long prayer, a wry face, ogle the women, 
ai:d finger the Cash. The play actors do no more. 
The Presbyterians are called roundheads from Washing- 
ton Pa., to this place. But the liberals were getting 
raiier the upperhand. 

Huntingdon is the county town of Huntingdon county, 
an«^ is handsomely situated, partly upon an even plaui on 
the bank of the Juniatta and contains some very hand- 
some buildings, the canal runs through it, which will 
bring the trade to their doors, Huntingdon coatai»8 ai" 



' HUNTINGDON. 235 

Court House, Jail, Masonic Hall, 5 Churches, and 1200 
inhabitants, and is a very beau»iful town, coniaining liaud- 
some streets and several fine brick buiidins^s. It lies be- 
tween two wild mountains which gives it a romantic ap 
pea ranee, the scenery of Juniatta is much like Mauch 
Cbunk. 

1 merely took a short walk when Mr. Bell returned 
with a tall elegant looking m?in whom he introduced by 
the name of Clark, and to whom, amongst several others 
Gen. Smilh had written; whoever has had the pleasure 
of seeing Mr. Clark can never forget him, Pennsylvania 
contains not such another He conibines at o«ce every 
grace and virtue that adorns the human family ; and it I 
were to write an octavo I could not do him justice. He 
bent his soft grey e}es upon me, [being a giant iu hc^ight] 
and with a smile of inimitable sw^eetness, saluted and 
said "shall I have the pleasure to attend you to my house 
madam, I am afraid I cannot furnish you as you deserve, 
but I will endeavour to make you comfortable. When 
did you arrive, and bow have you faired this cold season," 
any one might have said this. — But the manly look, the 
easy grace, the chaste smile, the stream of melting kind- 
ness that hieatheri "things unutterable," I was completely 
vanquished. They both attended me to Mr. Clark's 
where I was met by Mrs. Clark no less amiable than her 
husband. Tell me nothing of Kings and Coronets — give 
me I he man whose heart is touched by Heaven with so- 
cial kindness,, who is wise to see and quick to feel, un- 
borrowed delicacy for the wants and cares of a destitute 
female, and cheers the heart of the fonorn and weary 
traveller. 

I scarcely rang the bell, while J staid at his house, 
Mr. C. though a thorough gentleman bred, was my wait- 
er, footman, and friend. It happened to snow prodigiously 
most of the tijne, and this generous man was con- Oiitly 
coming up to my parlour to see that the room v\as warm,. 
always accompanied by fome friend. Where were the 
round heads all thii» time, who travel thou.sands of miles 
to convert the heathen? here was I a poor wicked heatheit 
come to their very doors in the hardest of the winieiv 



256 HUNTINGDON. 

But, " these are they, whose souls the furies sleelMj 
And cuist with hearts, unknowing how to yield." 

Mr. Clark had taken under his fostering care a widow- 
ed sister of Mrs. Clark — was a father to lier children and 
brother indeed to the bereaved widow! Both hei and 
Mrs. C. Wi^re amiable women, alt lived toi^other as one 
family, the most interesting group I ever beheld. Mr. 
Walter Clark is a young man of towering height some 
inches over six feet and made in proportion — his face un- 
matched in manly beauiy, and his countenance unrivaled 
in seraph innocence — His manners are of the highest 
polish, but all this conveys but a faint outline of the 
man. 

J, M. Bell, Esq was the first to call on me, and never 
ceased in his a'lention during my visit; Mr. B. is a gentle- 
man of stout make, young and very ihandsome, his face 
is round ami fair, and adoni'Hl with black eyes of the 
iriost heanlii'ul lustre-^I have no doubt but they have d:)ne 
a g'eat deal of mis/^hipf in their lime. Mr. B. is an At- 
torney of som*' eminence, and the very milk of human 
ki'-idneiis; ihe Huntingdon Bar is quite respectable 

Besides Mr. Bell, Messrs Williamson, Miles, Orbison, 
Pi-rter, and several others; it snowed hard the whole day, 
Sunday too, they were continually coming and gomg — 
David R. Porter, Esq. is a biother of Gen. Porier of 
Lancaster. The Porters are a distinguished family of, 
Pennsylvania — Mr. D. R. P. is of middle age and size, 
with fine oval features, dark complexion, and a full speak- 
ing black eye;Jiis countenance has great expression, he 
is a most amiable and pltasant man. 

Mr. Wm. Oibison, is a good hearted man, of fine ap- 
pearance and manners — Messrs Milc-s and Williamson 
are both excellent men, and respectable in their piot'es- 
sion — Doctors Henderson and Benj. J. Berry, were like- 
wise amongst those who called — they are highly rtspec- 
table men. Dr. B. I think lived in the couniry, he is a 
very engaa^eing man both in person and manners Mr. 
Moses WcLean is ai gentleman of portly size, round fair 
face and pleasing manners; A. P. Wilson, Esq. is a tall 



HUNTINGDON. 237 

stout figure, quite young and much esteemed — and Samuel 
Hines, Esq. must not be forgoten, he came in quite late, 
but insisted upon adding his patronage, he was a very af- 
fable German, and said he would help the widow, which 
much to his honor he did, he was a jolly lively man, plain 
frank and honest; Abraham Levy, Es^q a Jt^w, was also 
amongst my friends of Huntingdon, and I must say, not- 
withstanding the kindness every where lavished upon me 
throughout the state, Huntingdon left the rest far behind, 
taking into view the badness oftheweafAer and the s/iorfwess 
of the time, and the day being Sunday ; the gentlemen's 
hats and coats would be covered with snow. This is the 
right sort of religion Sunday or Monday. 

I never during my life recollect of spending a more 
pleasant evening than I did at Mr. Clark's, surrounded by 
a large circle of friends, by a glowing fire; the charms of 
their conversation, their undisguised friendship, their 
marked respect and overflowing kindness went to the 
heart, it was impossible not to love and respect them. 
This mark of attention is not only an honor to the state, 
but to the American character, the godly people were at 
preaching. 

Apropos — They have an academy here too, the build- 
ing cost $1000, and !|1000 more was appropriated (by 
the Legislature) to support a teacher. The Presbyteri- 
ans agreeably to their practice, got the management of 
the school into their own hands, employed a teacher until 
their own children were educated, and then drove him off 
because he would not teach for a trifle, for his services, 
reserving the balance of the thousand dollars for them- 
selves. 

Since that they have turned it into an Irish tavern (see 
their religion) and appropriate the profits to their own use, 
besides the ^lOOt) for the Teacher. \ ! ! Was there ever 
a state so imposed upon as Pennsylvania I informed the 
Legislature as I passed through Harrisburg shortly after 
this, and they knew nothing of it; one of the black coats 
spoke up and said "they turned it into a tavern because 
the canal run close to it, aud on that account, it was not 
fit tor students." Tfae traitor, why did they retrench the 



238 HUNTINGDON. 

teacher's wages long before this ? why did they not consult 
the Legislature? why did they not consuh the people of 
Huntingdon? and if they were actuated by any thing but 
the principles of theft; why did they not pay "over the 
money to the state. Pennsylvania, great in resources, 
great in virtur., and great in unwi, indastrious and inter- 
prizing, yet cannot get on; how is this ? Because those 
vipers are preying and have long. , preyed upon her 
VITALS, they have nearly eaten through the very ijeart 
strings of the state, and have deprived it of every prop, I 
mean its schools and colleges ! prostrated to the dust, and 
the money in defiance of shame, appropriated to over- 
turn our liberty. It is a known fact, they have to send to 
New York and New England for all their engineers, be- 
cause science is crushed m the state. 

Last year several hundred dollars were collected in 
Huntingdon to furnish Bibles for the town, what became 
of it ? smuggled away to head quarters, Philadelphia. 
Here are a number of children to be educated, and though 
the state has furnished ^ 2000 for that purpose, they have 
to send their children off' to other places. 

A man by the name of Adams, one of Dr. Ely's good 
"sound Presbyterians," passed through this country last 
yrar to convert young ladies, a singular way to convert 
them — He went from house to house, would get the 
young women in private, lay his arm round them, talk 
to them about the good of their souls, until he would get 
complete possession of the body. He would make these 
silly girls cry, and make them believe he could send them 
to heaven or hell, until they became frightened into any 
measures, one result was, that he drained them of their 
•ash. 

He converted every young lady in the neighborhood; 
every body remembers Mr. Adams. At length he was 
suddenly checked by a lady who found him in a situa- 
tion with her daughter by no means pleasing to her: and 
too late the people opened their eyes, and banished him 
from the country. 

The Juniata is a very hand ome stream, at this place. 
There is just room for the canal between Mr. Clark's 



LEWISTOWN. 239 

house and the river. The house commands a handsome 
view oi ih liver and the canal, from its lotiy rooms. U 
occupies one ot the most delightfui situations on the road. 

The scenery upon ihe Juniata is wild and fianciful,' be- 
yond description, consisting of piles of wild rocks, and 
circular hills, intermmgied with lofty srees. The scene- 
ry around Huntingdon, particularly, is beautiful in the ex- 
treme. It must be amongst the greatest treats of the 
summer, to a person of taste, to lean in a window at Mr. 
Clark's, upon a warm summer day. The mountains, on 
both sides come in close to the river. 

Dr. S I -ot^n berg's ironworks are near this; where he 
makes 250 tons of iron per week. 

There is also a celebrate! mineral spring near Hunt* 
ingdon, which is rising last into notice. 

LEWISTOWN 

Is also upon the wild Juniata, a few miles distant. As 
usual, 1 left Huntingdon before day, and who should be 
up, but 1 and Mrs. Clark. A fine fire blazed upon the 
hearth, and a cup of coffee smoked upon the side-board. 
I was oppressed with kindness, and even carried to the 
stage. It would insult the feelings of Mr Clark to say 
he did not charge! 

After day broke I had a very pleasing prospect of the 
country. Where the mountains do not interfere, the 
land is rich on the river; but they rise into fearful piles 
of loose grey stone. 

We arrived at Lewistown about one o'clock, P. M.^ — 
stopped at Williams's. 

I had longed to enter Lewistown for the sake of once 
more seeing the amiable Col. Clinton, the son of my 
friend, Gov. De Witt Clinton. He stopped at this house, 
and I panted to see him, without regard to the house, 
Which is not the best. 

The driver refused to give me my ba^rjiage, ibnut^b in 
justice to him h'i did suffer me to get out of the stage: 
"this was kind." 



240 LEWISTOWN. 

I hastened into the house, and asked for Col. Clinton. 
"He was there." He was at dinner. 1 threw oli my cloak. 
1 he table was long and crowded, as Lewistown was 
then the rendezvous of all the canal people. I crowded 
in at the head of the table, and cast aii, eager eye round 
for the Colonel, but not seeing him, I asked, "Which is 
Col Clinton?" when he raised his well-known face, and 
forced a smile; — but, alas! we both had more reason to 
weep. We dropped our eyes again; for since we saw 
each other, the world had lost his great and good sire. 
I saw, however, the image of the elder, in De Witt Clin- 
ton, Junior. He has the same eye, chin, forehead, and 
every feature of his father, and, doubtless, ihe same 
mind, same height, and same mild, benevolent heart and 
countenance. The Colonel was thin and pale, doubt- 
less, from intense application to his duties as chief 
engineer. 

It appears that he is at the head of all the canalling 
business in Pennsylvania, and a better they could not 
have.* I have very little doubt, but in genius, skill, and 
experience, on the subject of canals, he is little behmd 
his splendid sire. 

In 1826 I mentioned Mr. Clinton as being 25 years old. 
This was a mistake: De Wit) Clinton, Jr. was but, at 
that time, 21 years of age, which makes him now about 
23 or 24. 

Several gentlemen saluted meat the table by name, 
who had seen me in different parts of the counlry. 

After dmner I was shewn to my room, and shortly af- 
terwards the Colonel came up; but such was the pressure 
of his duties, he merely took me by the hand, and -set off 
perhaps 30 miles that night. He is constantly going fom 
one end to the other of the canal; and often stays in 
camp, and seems to have a hard time of it. But he is al- 
ways pleasing, and slips along through the world with 
the least noise of any man of half his worth. 

The house was so crowded that it was difficult to get 
a room; and the landlord going into the dining-room, ask- 

*I lament to hear Pecinsylvania, biind to her interest, has suffered 
this talented young man to withdraw since I saw him. 



' LEWISTOWX. 241 

ed the gentlemen if any of them would be so polite as to 
give me a room on the second story, and take a room on 
the third For the iionor of the Yankee nation, a Mr. 
Tatfan spoke up first, and said he would give Mrs. R. 
his room. This was singularly kind in Mr. T. as he had 
just received a wound from a fall upon the canal, by which 
he was severely injured; and accordingly, he gave me 
up his room, 

Mr. Tattan knew me at Yale College, though I had no 
recollection of him. He was from New Haven, and be- 
ing a man of science, was engaged by the canal company 
as an engineer. Mr. G. M. T. is a )oung, small man, 
and light make. His face is oval, and complexion rather 
dark: his countenance is grave, and genius is stamped 
upon every line of his features. His eye has much ex- 
pression, and his manners are modest and retiring. He 
had but lately arrived from the Farmington canal, where 
he was one of the principal engineers. They have been 
greatly taken in by the roundheads: one of them, Mr. 
Clark, with an iron countenance, was there at the time. 

William H. Morell, Esq. of Cooperstown, Otsego co. 
N, York, was another engineer, and a most interesting 
man. He was also engagaged for his superior abilities 
and experience as an engineer, upon the grand cauaL 
Mr. M. is a stout, fine figure, and about 22 years of age, 
with a bold, intelligent, oval face, and a pair of briliant 
black eyes, and high smooth forehead — his complexion is 
dark) and his countenance noble and manly — his manners 
are open, gay and satirical. 

Thomas Franks, Esq. a son of the Hon Judge Franks of 
Harrisburg, is a cousin of tke Messrs. Kejm's of Read- 
ing, and be and I were half acquainted of course. He had 
heard of me through the Keims, and f esteemed him for 
their sake and for his own. Mr. P. is an assistant of Col, 
C's, and at once one of the most examplary men breath- 
ing. He is humanity itself, and unequalled in generosity, 
and virture — is of common height, light make, with very 
delicate oval features. 

Mr. Morell, as well as Col Clinton, was forced to leave 
Lewistown, and Messrs. Tattan, Franks, and Dr. M'Con- 
21— Vol. II. 



.rv 



242 LEWISTOWN. 

nell, were almost constantly with me, and rendei*ing me 
all iff aid in their power. 

J. H. Hickoke, another engineer, was also attentive. 
Mi H. is a thin spare figure, line features, mild counten^ 
ance, and quite a young man, of pleasing manners. 

J, Jefl'ery, Esq. another of the canal corps, is a tall 
good sized man, with a round handsome lace, open gea- 
eir.u- countenance, and fine blue eyes, is very engaging, 
though plain in his manners. 

Mr. A. Hmck, was also amongst those who called; he 
is a small, young looking, pleasant man. And lastly and 
least, one Twins, did not come to pay his respects, as he 
had none to pay. 

Having got through with the canal folks, (the saucy 
rogues w aiched me close enough to see what notes I took.)* 
But one more hefore I advert to the citizens. 

Dr. M'Connell, a son of my tavern-keeper, the Secedar 
at Huntingdon, The Dr. had very little of the vinegar 
about him, and was about the handsomest man in Penn- 
sylvania p frank, gay, familiar and lively in his manners — 
he said, he despised their hypocritical canting at Hunt- 
ingdon; so much, that he quit the place The doctor's 
person and features are without fault; he is a tall hand- 
some figure, and his features and complexion, as handsome 
as imagination can paint them, and has the softest blue 
eye in the world; polite, affable and generous, he added 
much to my amusement at Lewistown. The old maids 
wilLyet be the death of me, as I always have a train of 
young gentlemen after me. Poor souls, they may have 
the priests. 

The society of Lewistown is the 'best improved and 
most refined of any town in Pennsylvcnia. There are a 
very few hlackcoats in Lewistown. The citizens- are 
learned, generous and hospitable, and possessed of con- 
siderable wealth and taste. They were perfectly aware 
of that respect due to a stranger. 

1 he most of them waited upon me at the tavern. And 
first. Doctor Smith,, a man of wealth, who lives on hisin- 



»Thej were so anxious to see what I said of old mother Drybones. 
^hat one held me while the others looked. 



LEWISTOWN. 243 

come, anrl is a gentleman of great elegance of manners 
aul rudition, The doctor lives quite in style, and has a 
rnosi accomplished wife. He is rather yomig in appear- 
anc(% (inf size, fair complexion,, ovai features, with all the ' 
kiiidred virtues beaming in his dark soft eye — he is one 
of i!ie mosi amiable of men.- 

Dr. Ard, also a gentleman of attractive manners, par* ' 
sues his profession; he is tall, slender, middle aged niari^ 
and alike amiable. 

Doctor Culbertson, is likewise a very amiable man I 
do not recollect any other physicians. The bar is con- 
siderable for numbers and talf^iit The first on my list is 
Elias W. Half, Esq. a descendent df the great Hale of 
Eaglaiid. Mr H. is a shrewd satirical Yankee, whose 
fore -fathers landed upon the rock of Plymouth. He is 
middle aged, of good size, and fair round face, and a ve« 
ry expressive countenance, and is a gentleman of great: 
wit and acuteness, and does every thing with astonishing 
ease and grace. He is the best reader I ever heard — Qfte 
would think he had coned the book for a speech. 

Saying to him, I wished to procure something charac- 
teristic of the state, to grace my travels; he gave me the 
following names: 

Joab Oxenrider, Sinnemahoning, John Nineteenhills, 
Henry Nautsinger, Valentine Foglesonger, Esq. 

Mr. Hale never laughs, though he has the faculty of 
making every one else laugh. Joe Strickland ought to 
see them, and Noah Webster ought to put them in his 
Dictionary. The saucy Yankee — I asked him if he did 
invent them, but be said they were real, and he knew 
them all. 

Mr. Parker of the bar, is a small man, good figure, and 
fair face, and of tolerable manners. 

One Hall, also of the bar, is a great clown. 

Abraham S. Williams, Esq. is a very genteel man, of 
middling size, good features, and a bright blue e3'e- 

E.%L. Benedict, Esq. likewise of the bar, I was not 
fortunate enouih to see, he being absent-^so also was 
Mr. Huliogs, whom I met afterwards. 



244 LEWISTOWN. 

Mr. Watson, (1 cannot distinguish the name,) is a thin 
spare figure, oval fair face, open benevolent countenance, 
fine eyes, and of very engaging ntianners. 

Of the clergy, I saw but one. Rev. Bennet, he was a 
methodist, and qUite an agreeable man, though he did not 
help me on my way. 

Francis M'Luer, Esq my friend and favorite of whom 
I could never say enough, is a merchant, and I might with 
propriety call him brother, for such he has proved him- 
self to me. Mr. IVl'Luer's unrivalled worth discovered 
itself to me by an incident, over which neither of us had 
any cobtrol. He is a middle sized man, young, active, 
and persevering. But so mild, so gentle, like his own 
Juniata; light, life and joy, beams in his fine countenance. 
May he reap- the fruit of his virtues. 

Levy Reynolds, Esq. is the editor of the Mifflin Eagle. 
He is a young man of fair countenance and pleasant man- 
ners, like all the liberal editors, I touud in him a friend. 
He is much respected in Lewistown. 

Mr. James Dickson, was another editor, whom I did 
not see.* 

Mr. Wm. Mitchell is a tall very handsome figure, open 
countenance and the finest eye in the world. 

The Academy is a handnome building and in a flourishing 
condition, I found a yankee at the head of this, and the 
pupils about seventy, far advanced in their studies. The 
teacher, Mr. P. N. (if I do not mistakt) is a man of edu- 
cation, polite, afiablc in his manners and seems to be aware 
of the correct method of teaching, 1 examined several of 
the pupils in grammar and geopraphy, and found them per- 
fect; both boys and girls are taught. It was unfortunate I 
should have stumbled upon the only religious house in the 
place, old mother dry-bones, the landlady was religious, 
illnatuied, vulgar, and unfriendly. Finding I was a foe to 
those Priest loving dames, she said "the young ladies could 
not lovebetter men." This comes well from a female. She 
. « 

* I oierlookfrd a Mr. Glyn, whom 1 must have seen at Huntingdon, 
a very amiabJeman. 
t 



.•M 



JOURNEY TO HAR«1SBURG. 245 

bad a house full of these godley dames and gentlemen were 
cio\ved out; I never was more bored by vulgar women, 
and the engineers were leaving the house. 

Lewistbwn is the capital of Mifflin County, and con- 
tains an academy, 4 churches, a court house, and jail. It 
is situated at the confluf'.nce of the Kishacoquillas cn-ek 
with the Juniata. The canal passes tiuough it. It was 
incorporated in 1795, and contains 1500 inhabitants It 
has several stores and taverns, and is a iively fljurishing 
place, and of all towns, it is the most pleasantly si'uaied. 
The scenery around Lewisiown pertalces largely of the 
wild, the sublime, and the fan(;iful, and is unsurpassed in 
beauty. The views from the academy, which stand upon 
an eminence, is the most pleading in Pa The proud 
Juniata glittering through the ricii planes, the sloping hills, 
the impervious thickets, the encircling mountains, but 
chiefly the variety of surface, continually lisingand fall- 
ing, waving and winding, the heart saturated with plea- 
sure. 

JOURNEY TO HARRISBURG. 

After spending three days at Lewistown I departed 
down the Juniata to Harrisburg the 9;h of Junuary 1829, 
the coldest day we had during the winter. 

The gentlemen of the stage house had put the best 
stage in requisition, had it neatly painted, stuffed, and 
lined anew with thick cloth, the stage lanterns were 
shining and the horses the best in the line, and the driver 
no way behind, and with a gentleman, a lady and cdild, I 
bid ray favorite town adieu. 

We drove on the bank of the Juniata and sometimes 
upon steep precipices, and in many places the road actual- 
ly runs in the river upon a wall. But the woman ! yes 
woman! 

There was a pass called the narrows. Talk of plagues, 
a scary affected woman, is plague enough, "Oh ! we'll be 
killed, I wish I had 'nt come. Set still Betsey; an't you 
scared dear.'' well, all I wish is I had 'ni come." I wish 
you had 'nt madam." 1 always responded. 
*31 



246 AbVENtUHtS. 

We passed the defiles in safety — ^had left the ritefj 
and were proceeding rapidly over the even plain when 
we were suddenly over shadowed with utter darkness, 
followed by a loud clap of thunder, as though heaven and 
earth were ooming together, attended with a noise like 
the ringing of bells and rattling of hail stones! This was 
succeeded by a sudden brightness rushing in trom above, 
and a shower of wooden fragments; the horses going at 
a quick trot, the whole passed as sudden as a flash of 
lighting !!! and all unhurt.!! What an engine this would 
be for the missionaries, they would convert the whole 
world, were they in possession of such a miracle, it ex- 
ceeds all their out pourmgs; they may have it gratis, and 
they will have what they never bad before, a true story, 
but the reader is impatient. 

The top ol the stage was off ! the canal people are 
in the habit of building bridges on the surveys — one of 
those bridges lay across our road, the stage run under it, 
and had often done so before, but this time by some cause 
(perhaps a stone got under the wheel) the bridge carried 
away the top. 

The bridge occasioned the darkness, tareing away the 
ioj) occasioned the noise, the top being off', occasioned the 
light, the rattling was occasioned by shattering the top to 
pieces, the bell ringing sou.jd was caused by shivering 
the lamps. The shower of wooden fiagments, I need not 
explain. Thus the mystery is explained, our escape was 
ffiiracuhjus, as ninety nine tin-esout of a hundred, any 
set of horses might have taken flight, but particularly 
ours which were highly pampered, they never alteied 
their gate, however, which was doubtless owing to the 
presence of mind and superior skill of the driver, for the 
noise was so sudden and so loud, that it was enough to 
throw any man otf his guard. Another miracle was that 
our sculls were not pierced by the sharp pieces of wood 
darting endways so near our heads. 

Thus it befel the owner of the stage,' who had taken 
so much paines to render me comfortable. 

It now beganJto snt.vv piodigiously, and stiffened with 
cold, 1 arrived at ouf quarters at 10 o'clock P. M. covcf- 



ADVENTtTRES. 2l7 

ed with snow, but a good fire and a pleasant adventure, 
soon ret^iOied my warned vigour. 

Travelling- as I do, I sometimes take it into my head 
that men, particularly, usurp liberties which I am deter- 
mined they shall not. Jealous of my rights, perhaps I 
carry my ideas too far, but who shall decide? 

While they were preparing supper, two young men 
came intj my parlor; seating themselves deliberately by 
the stove, commenced a conversation with each other — ■ 
not satisfied with this piece of rudeness, they at length 
addressed themselves to me. As I did not know whom 
I was amongst — 1 bore it sometime, but their impudent 
glances displeased me more than their language. Instead 
of that ingenuousness which is a universal characteristic 
of all classes in Pennsylvania, their faces displayed a 
thorough coat of genuine brass. 

Now beside the bar-room, there was a front parlor, 
with a good fire. Why did they not stay in the bar room.^ 
No. They had heard of me, and they must gratify their 
rude curiosity. This always provokes me, but never from 
the lowest citizen, if he is introduced. 

I told them at length, that 1 would thank them to with- 
draw: I was going to sup, and did not wish to be intruded 
on. But there was too much brass aboard; and sending 
for the landlord, I told him to invite the gentlemen into 
another room: that 1 was not accustomed to such imper- 
tinent intrusions— one of them walked off, but the other 
sat sdll, till I spoke pietty sharp, and told him that he or 
I should leave the room. He then sneered and walked 
oft. 

Meantime supper was brought -in; and while I was sit- 
ting at the table another gentleman walked in— jie took otF 
his hat, and bowed politely, but did not otTfr to sit nor 
speak; nor did I speak to him. I saw he nas a gentleman, 
but was nevertheless displeased, as he ought to have known 
beiter. 

He continued to walk backwards and forwards at the 
lower end of the room, and kept his ejes fasteaed on me. 
Having finished my supper, 1 turned (;) back on hi.u to 
disappoint his curiosity. He then drew a little nearer, 



248 ADVENTUREb. 

and asked, if 1 were travelling. I replied that if it wouW 
afforrl him any gratification, 1 was; but \ did not conceive 
it any business of his. He then walked out; and as I bad 
to set out again in about three hours, I persuaded tlie 
landlord to give me the adjoining parlor, as it was warm 
and comfortable, and had a large settee, upon which I 
could repose till the hour of departure. 

Shortly after I took possession of the rbom, a servant 
pronounced the name of Hulings to sofne person at the 
door. Struck by the name, 1 asked if Mr. Hulings was 
in town. He is in the bar room, madam. Ask him if he 
ph ases to walk into my room; I wish to see him It will 
be recollected that Mr. Hulings, an attorney of Lewis- 
town, was absent, and bemg highly spoken of to toe, both 
in Lewistpwn and Huntingdc)n, from which hst place I 
had a lettc r to him irom a friend, my pleasure may be 
readily imagined. 

Mr. Hulings soon entered the room with a smile, and 
who should it be but the gentleman to whom I had spoken 
so harshly in the supper room, i laught-d as I arose to 
take his hand, and asked him why he did not make him- 
self known'' that he was the only man of all others, 1 wish- 
ed most to see. He said, in fact he was afraid — he was 
not aware he was known to me by leport Why did you 
not gpt the landlord to introduce you? H* tried "hat, but 
the landlord was afraid too I tried th. landlord, said 
Mr. H. and when he refused, I wasdeterinined to see you 
at any risk. But, oli! Mrs. R. forgive mi . I had heard so 
much of you that 1 could not help it. 1 iold him if inere 
wa'i any pardon to be a'^ked, I thoui!:ht it was due Ut him, 
but we were both so ovesjoyed at I lie rencounter. Ujat tor 
my part I do not remembei half what passed — i was in a 
perfect delirium, to think 1 had a friend at the very time 
I most needed one. 

I had been told at Lewistown, I missed a great treat in 
not nieeting with Mr. Hulings, tlie pride of the Juniata. 

I uas never more gratified and hurt to this moment, 
thai I -hould have spoken so harshly to so fine a man — 
H; itit'spuce a)i)fir?ned every thing I had heard o: him, 
much more — certainly, has the most engaging exterior of 



ADVENTURES. 249 

any human being. He is over common height, his figure 
fine, face oval, and rather dark, his glossy hair hangs in 
profuse clusters over his fine polished forehead; his eyes, 
full, dark, and animated; his features harmony itself, and 
the graces dwelt in his countenance. But the exterior of 
the man is nothing; it was swallowed up by the virtues 
of his heart; we see the one but we feel the other. All else 
suspended; my comfort and convenience became his pe- 
Gular care — the fires were replenished, the servants, the 
landlord, all had secret orders, as I never saw more obse- 
quiousness Just tell me what you want Mrs. R Pray do 
not give yourself any trouble said Mr. H. as I called a 
servant. Blankets were produced, coffee, bread and but- 
ter. All placed on the stove, ready for me before my set- 
ting out in the morning, my bill settled, and nothing left 
undone. 

Meantime I apprised him of the stage accident, and the 
very uncomfortable alternative of travelling in a vehicle 
exposed to the weather, and requested him to procure a 
cloak, blanket, or something to protect mie from the cold, 
which was intense. 

1 also mentioned the rencounter of the young men, and 
as, they were to travel with me in the stage, he proposed 
introducing them. I rather objected, but as one I think, 
was his relative, I received thf:ir apologies. "My friea(J 
here," pointing to one of them, "Mrs. R. will be of service 
to you crossing the Susquehanna, which you will find ne- 
cessary, as it is frozen over, and you will have to walk on 
the ice — I will pledge myself for them " I gave them iny 
hand to please my triend, but had my suspicions, never- 
theless. When about to take leave, (these arc the most 
trying moments.) Mr, H left his cloak, lest I might be 
cold in the night, and after asking if he could be of any fur- 
service, took leave. Thus I always find friends! (biothers, 
I might say,) and protectors! What more can mortal 
wish.? 

Af er resting, perhaps three hours, we proceeded, and 
a colder morning was rare in that part ot the country. 



250 ADVENTURES. 



li^: huling's ROCK. 

1 ■ 

About daylight we reached the celebrated Hulings 
Rock, which over-hangs the Juniata, in a frij^httul pi'-ei- 
pice This rock takes its name from Mr David W. Hu- 
lin;i;s, the gentleman just mentioned, who at ihf' cos! of 
much expense and enterprise, has cut a road through n to 
the distance of nearly a mile! A most astonishing etlort 
of industry and enterprise to be accomplished hy one 
man! 

I thought of the scary woman, and felt the blood stiring 
about my heart, as ti»e horses almost flew over a perpen- 
dicular wall of several feet in height, literally built in the 
river. 

This rock of amazing height and steepness, jutting into 
the river — there was no alternative for a passage but to 
cut through it, which was accomplished by this enterpris- 
ing man. , 

Shortly after this, we passed the residence of the Hu' 
lings' family, a most charming seat, on an island; while I 
lamented want of time to visit the family. 

A little after sunrise, we reached the Susquehanna, 
where we took breakfast, at a very genteel taverti. 
. The gentlemea who accompanied me, were hitherto 
very attentive, and the landlord was uncommonly kind — 
we left our broken stage here, and took another on the 
opposite side of the river. 

The landlord furnished a small sleigh, in which he put 
the baggage, and placing me on one of the seat?., sent a 
Tery genteel man to draw me across the river — e.xceptiag. 
the rail road, this was the most pleasant ride I had on my 
tour. 

The Pennsylvania canal comes in here, and another 
branches off from this point towards New York, up the 
Susquehanna. It appears that the whole state of Penn- 
sylvania is to be canalled, and I fear too much of it on 
hand 

The Susquehanna is very handsome at this place, and 
:the scenery very splendid. The mountain comes in close 



ADVENTURES. 261 

io the river on one side, and though the ground rises on 
the other, there is a narrow strip of land on the river — at 
this place there is a dam across the Susquehanna to raise 
the water even with the cajial. 

Two Irishmen got into the stage here, one was an im- 
pudent coxcomb, and the other was a poor old man who 
seemed ready to expire from some disease he had con- 
tracted on I he canal. 

As he was poor and shabby, he was forced to sit upon 
the middle seat, which had no back, without extorting 
the least pitiy from the brutish passengers, all young men. 
I interceded tor him, but all in vain! and seeing lie was 
ready to drop, I sat on the middle seat myself, and gave 
him mine! We need not go far to look for heathens! The 
monsters, to treat an aged sick and poor man thus. 

My young gentlemen who had evinced rather an impa- 
tient aspect for some time, now broke out in a volley of 
oaths and threats of an alarming nature — they were both 
good hands at the bottle, and had taken a deep drink at 
the breakfasting house, and at every house on the road, 
until they were completely drunk, and the coxcomb irish- 
man was not far behind them. Mr. Hulings' friend had 
poured it in so liberally, that he became beastly stupid 
and sleepy. But it had a different effect on the other, he 
grew outrageous — he had only smothernd his rage since 
the preceding night; and the spirit beginning to woi k on 
him, h^ first tumed pale and then red, and attacked me 
personally with oaths, referring to that incident, and my 
entreaties in favor of the old man. 

-As 1 had been particularly consigned to the care of the 
other, 1 appealed to his honor — \ appealed to the pro- 
mise I heard him make to his friend Huiiugs — all i obtain- 
ed was a stupid grin. 

My only chance now was the driver; the poor old man 
was my friend, hut he was too sick to help himself. B«t 
the Irishman sitting upon the front seat, whispered to the 
driver, and gained him to their side. 1 nevertheless or- 
dered him to stop tiie coach and let me get out. Drive on, 
said the B(»gtrolter. Stop I say. DriTe on, said the ruf- 
fian. My ^3st resort was to alarm the people on the road, 



252 HARUISBURG. 

and accordingly I called aloud to the people of the first 
house I saw, to stop the coach. Drive on. said V.te iwo 
ruffians — drive on. Whilst I addressed the people with 
the door open — the people obeyed instantly, and ran with 
great speed to my assistance. But the driver putting his 
horses to full speed, also — the man, after running himself 
nearly to death, had to desist. I then made an attempt 
to jumpt out, but the ruffians held me forcibly in the stage. 
Tiius the northern route disgraced itself the last day. The 
passengers, driver, and proprietor of this line, ought all 
to be sent to the state prison for this day's work; and the 
passengers certainly would, but while T was calling for a 
constable to arrest them at Harrisburg, they disappeared. 
It is doubtless, the first time that a female was attack- 
ed by four men, in open daylight, in the United States' 
mail stage. 

HARRISBURG. 

I merely passed through Harrisburg on my way to Pitts- 
burg:, intending to spend some time in it on my return, 
as the legislature would then be sitting, and 1 would have 
the pleasure of seeing the members. 

I arrived about noon. Proceeding do wn the Juniata 
first, and the Susquehanna to Harrisburg, through the Blue 
mountains. The scenery on these two rivers, is not sur- 
passed by any in the Union. 

Just at a point designed by nature for the metropolis of 
this ludependent state, stands Harrisburg, on the bank of 
the Susquehanna, in the heart of the finest land in Penn- 
sylvania. The surrounding country is beautifully diver- 
sified by rifting grounds and fertile plains. The site of 
the town rises from the river back, until it gains a consid- 
erable eminence; on the top of this, the capitol of the 
stale legislature is built— one of the finest buildings in the 
United States, and beyond dispute, the most convenient. 

The summit of the eminence is level, and on each side of 
the capitol stands three other buildings, for the public of- 
fices and arms, and show to great advantage. But the 
view firom the cupola of the capitol, is unrivalled by any 



HAUttlSUUHG. 253 

view off the seaboard. The town below, the'broad Sus- 
quehanna, with its superb bridge; the farms and gardens, 
and the Blue mountains — it is the most triumphant display 
of beauty and grandeur to he met with in the states. — 
The architect of the capitol deserves much credit. There 
is no hide and go seek holes in it like our capitol at the 
city of Washington. A handsome gallery runs round the 
building, equi-distant from the base and the top on the 
outside; and doors open to this platform, on which you 
may have a delightful promenade. 

The representative Hall, is large and very splendid — 
the furniture is rich and costly, and the speaker's chair is 
mote superb than that of Congress Hall. The Senate 
Chamber is larger than that at Washington, and both are 
well lighted. 

They have no galleries — seats for strangers ,are on the 
same floor, behind the bar, raised like those of the halls. 
I.was present during the debates, and was much pleased 
with the good order and plain independence of the mem- 
bers. 

I stopped at Mr. Buehler's, and was waited on that even- 
ing by a number of the members — also by my old friend 
Gen. Swift. This being Saturday, I was invited to go to 
church the next day; a carriage and escort was at my ser- 
vice, after the arrangements, to which I consented, and 
the gentlemen withdrew. 

Next morning Gen. Ogle, the old 76, attended with a 
barouch and five or six outriders, and thus honored, 1 was 
led to the front pew, which had been reserved for the 
purpose. Next day I was escorted to the Senate, where 
I found matter enough for my pen. 

The' first thing I did, was to select those ihembers who 
voted for chartering the Sunday School Union. These 
were pointed out to rno by a friend; and I candidly be- 
lieve tli«y sincereljT repent of the infamous transaction. — 
The speaker of the Senate, Mr. Sturgeon, one of the vo- 
ters, is a stout young looking man, with rather coarse fea- 
tures; his face is round and complexion dark, but his 
countenance is open and artless; his manners are plain and 
displays great independence and Self-possession; though 
22— Vol. II. 



254 HARRISBURG. 

a farmer-like man, was perfectly unembarrassed; spoke 
audibly, and never appeared to miss his duties. 

They go on very rapidly with business in both houses, 
sit after dinner, and even until bed- time, in committees. 
But go with the blue-skins. 

Hon. Brown, is the hardest cut of the whole, he drinks 
. water. Oh! the sinner. He is of good size, nei- 
ther old nor young, with a broad red face — he turns all 
his hair upon the top of his head in narrow braids to hide 
his bald pate, has a gander eye and sly countenance. 

Hon. [this distinction is only due to senators,] King, I 
have mentioned in my 1 st vol. — He has a very heavy 
brow and a piercing black eye; he voted for the charter, 

Hon, Duncan, same corps, is not a bad looking man, 
and a good speaker The Presbyterian hardness was 
there. He and the Hon. Sullivan, resemble very much, 
and the flint does not look harder. They have triangular 
red faces, high cheek bones and blue eyes. They are 
cold blooded men. 

Hon. Fullerton, same, is an elderly stout man, a little 
gray, with a large pale face, and the finest eye in mortal , 
head; large, full, soft and black — his' countenance is mild 
and benevolent, and his actions accord therewith. He 
supports a fair reputation, and nothing but the most be- 
sotted bigotry could have led him into the snare of Dr. 
Ely. ^ ^ - . . 

Hon. Hay, is mentioned in 1st Vol. under the head of 
Philadelphia He has a keen intelligent face, and could 
swing off an hundred heretics to the hour 

Hon. Logan. (Sunday school too,) is keen for uniting 
church and state; he openly avows it, and is a warm friend 
01 Dv. Ely's.* May both their HEADS be severed from 
their shoulders, before we see the day. The others do 
not deserve a place in the history of their country. 

Theliberalmen form a gieat contrast to these— there 
was the towering Gen. Ogle, grown gray in the senate; re- 
minded one of one of the Roman senators. He is a very bold 
animated speaker — the tear watered his benevolent cheek 
as he spoke in favor of the revolutionary soldiers. 

Hon. Hare Powell, is also a very independent, manly i 



iiAR^iSBUBe,. ' 255 

speaker, and a fine orator. The United States and the 
world at large, owe much to this patriot. Had it not been 
for him and Dr. Burden, most probably American blood 
would now be running in our streets Pennsylvania has 
rendered her name immortal, in being the first to oppose 
those ferocious banditti,, 

^ Hon. E. S. Kelly, was rather of ablueish cast, but is a 
very amiable, worthy man. He is an attorney, of good 
height and figure, rather light, and young looking, with 
an oval thin face, dark complexion, and dark hair and 
eyes — ^his countenance is keen, at once expressive of 
shrewdness and good sense. He is aifable in his man- 
ners, and is said to be one of the most efficient members 
of the senate. .. 

J Hon John Ryon, is one of my favorite Germans. He 
is a gentleman of young appearance, middling height, and 
well made — his face is round, full and fair, with handsome 
regular features, fair hair, and soft blue eyes; his counten- 
ance open and manly, and his manners candid and gen- 
erous. . , . ; s..,];, ./.^ v: V.5.: ' . ■ 

Hon. J. Miller, (of Perry,) is al^o a young man, tall, 
slender and finely shaped, with an oval, fair, smooth face, 
and mild dark eye, and his countenance mild and placid; 
his manners are peculiarly dignified and engaging. 

Hon. Jackson, was a poor apology. 

Hon. Matthias Morris, is a Yankee fronj N. H. He 
represents Bucks — is a tall,, fine looking man, keen and 
actively made, with a good face, dark complexion, and 
piercing black eye. He is an attorney. 

Hon. Krebs, is a middle aged man, rather intelligent 
and genteel in his appearance. 

; . Hon. Kerling, of Delaware, is also of middle age, and 
jBoiddling height, oval face, with deep blue eyes, and gen- 
>|eel appearance. 

, Hon M'Clure, of Lycoming, is a handsome light fi- 
gure, middle aged, redish hair and eyebrows, pleasing 
Goutitenance, and easy manners. 

Hon. Ringland, of Washington, is a keen, fine figure, 
witii a fair face and very engagmg;,appearanee. 

Hon Seltzer, one of my Germans, and a good sound 
man; is middle aged, and respectable appearance. 



256 * HAURISBUUG. 

Hon. John Ra)', one of the best men in Pennsylvania, 
German descent. He and Mr. Ryon, were sitting toge- 
ther; I liked their honest generous faces, and drew my 
chair, and leaned over the bar, against which they sat, and 
chatted with them some time. Mr. Ray is of middle age, 
dark visage, black hair, and a keen sensible black eye — I 
was much pleased with his generous countenancie and 
frank manners. 

J. Hunt, Esq. another senator, is from Chester county, 
the land of promise — he is a good honest farmer, of mid- 
dling age, and genteel manly figure, with honesty and inde- 
pendence depicted in his countenance — his complexion is 
middling, his face round, with good features, and a soft 
gray eye; his manners familiar and friendly. 

Hons. Dr. Burden, of Philadelphia county, and Wise, 
of Westmoreland, were absent at Philadelphia. 

Hon. Leech, of Mercer county, is also of middle age; 
a tall man; round, fair, small face, sharp nose, and very- 
pleasing countenance. 

Of Hon. Houston, I find nothing in my notes but chin 
gnd spectacles. 

Hon. Frederick Hambright, is another of my favorites, 
as generous as a prince, he is from Lancaster. No more 
, may be said of him. Mr. Houston, is also from Lancas- 
ter, but he did not happen to strike me. 

Hons. Drumheller, Reif, Bertolet, Scott, Hawkins, and 
Herbert, are all that remain of the senate. 

As it is the first time, the body has attracted the pen of 
the historian, it would have given me pleasure to have 
described them particularly. But from what cause I know 
not, they have been overlooked in my haste, or the notes 
lost. Must wait till next time. It is painful to close the 
description of this noble body of freemen, with the 
much lamented J. De Pui, Epq. the life, soul and pride, as 
well as clerk of the senate. He is no more! Cruel death al- 
ways culls the fairest flowers. Mr. De Pui was of Green 
county, and the handsomest man in the chamber; a fine 
towering figure, noble mien, anji the Chesterfield of the 
senate. Peace to his shade. 



HARUISfetJRG. 257 

When I last saw him, he received from my hand, a set 
of my works, a present for the state. I shall never for- 
get his modest bow, as he took the books from my hand, 
and the sweet smile which accompanied his thanks. 

Col. W. S. Franklin, assistant clerk, was also an mter- 
esting young man, nor must I forget the door-keeper, who 
is also sergeant at arms, Mr. Robert Dickey, a most wor- 
thy and kind man, and a perfect gentleman. I never look at 
the exteriorof a man, I always attend to his actions. 

For honor of this great state; all possible honor was 
paid to me by the senate, from the speaker down. They 
know how to appreciate strangers, and by paying proper 
respect to their own rights, they know how to respect 
the rights of others. 

HOUSE op REPRESENTATIVES. 

If I was honored in the Senate, I was much more so iii 
the House. These noble warm hearted people received 
me as though I were a dear parent. It was quite a moving 
scene. Pennsylvania had heard of me — I was for some 
time cherished in her bosom, when a child. They had 
heard it — they had heard I was a brave man's widow— 
ihey had heard of my adverse fortune —they had hearii of 
my independence — and the respect paid to me every 
where. 

I was escorted to the house, and met at the door by two 
representatives; these led me up the front isle — when the 
speaker descended from his chair and received me with 
great condescention and kindness. He led me to a seat 
near the ifire and seated himself by my side. The speaker, 
Mr. Middlesworth, is not a handsome man, but his polite- 
ness made him shine like diamonds — I shall ever remem- 
ber him with gratitude and esteem — he is a middle aged 
man, and middling height, heavily made, with a round full 
face, dark complexion, and open benevolent countenance; 
he is a plain and friendly man. 

Mr. L. A. Caldwell, of Lancaster county, was every 
thing to me — he is of middle age and stoutly bulk, of tine 
appearance, and warm easy manners. 
*22 



258 HARRisBUR.6. 

Robert A. Miller^ of Chester county, is likewise a mid- 
dle aged sound German, of good size, round face, fair 
oomplexion, and mild gray eyes, his countenance steady 
and unassuming, and a modest independence marks his 
unsophisticated manners. 

I was no less pleased with Mr. Peter Shindle, a low 
but good staunch firm German. I wish all our citizens were 
as honest and sound as Mr. Shindle. He is low and square 
built, and seeing the other members subscribing, he "did 
not care about reading or buying a book, but he vood kif 
a vidovv somdings," and pulled out fifty cents; more than 
I would have received from a missionary in an hundred 
years, unless it was in the price of a halter, 

H. Petrekin, Esq. is a fine merry soul; he despises the 
blues, tracts, and priestcraft. Had seen and read my 
Biack Book, and was delighted to hear I had dispersed 
the. blackcoats, and put the colleges to a stand — he was 
one of the school committee; he and two or three more, 
soon made arrangements to introduce a new and liberal 
mode of teaching; which we in the goodness of our hearts, 
and wisdom of our heads, declared and decreed, should 
be general in Pennsylvania, and should not contain a sin- 
gle priest or missionary. We were to pull down all the 
colleges and erect them anew. I showed them the ob- 
scene letters 1 received from these godly people, with the 
rules of the colleges. The liberal members are for a 
general school system. 

Mr. P. is a young small man, with a keen eye, and no 
small share of intelligence; he is an independent and spir- 
ited speaker, and guards against innovations with the eye 
of an eagle. '^*- . ,, v 

A. R. Fetterman, Esq is mentioned in the 1st Vol. he 
is from Bedford, and is also awake and oh guard. Both 
he and Mr. P. are attorneys. . Mr. F. is a man of more 
mildness, but eminent in virtue. 

Mr. Roberts, is a young spare man, with rather a 
clownish look — he speaks well; I do not know what coun- 
ty he is from; as a missionary stole, (I wish this was all 
they stole,) the paper with the names of the counties. 



HAKRISIJUUQ. 259 

Mr. A. D. Ker, of Washington county, is a Iar*e middle 
aged man, with an intelligent countenance, fair complex- 
ion, and wears spectacles — he is a close attentive mem- 
ber. 

Gen. Krepps is a stout, portly young man, with a round, 
full, ruddy face— good natured open countenance, very 
jovial and friendly. 

Peter Lobach, Esq of Cumberland, is middle aged, 
and a fine noble figure, fair full tiace, and open manly 
countenance, and the pure cream of human kindness — he 
is quite a plain farmer looking man, little touched wijt^ 
the blues 

Rev. John Dreisbach, a Methodist priest, (I think,) is 
a slender thin visaged man, sallow complexion, and soft 
blue eyes; his coutitenance is mild, staid, and has much 
sweetness — his manners are easy and amiable. He is from 
East Buffalo, Union county. 

Wm. Alexander, one of the stars, is from Jvewville. — 
He is a middling sized man, of very fine appearance; his 
figure light, and his features of the best Grecian model; 
his countenance is mildness and intelligence itseii, and hisi 
manners are equally winning. 

Gen. Frick, is quite a rustic, with a stout figure, round 
face and wan countenance; he effects great siui-ularity, 
and is full of horse play at d horse laugh. 1 should think 
his heart or his head is unsound. 

Mr. B. Champneys, is from Lancaster; he is an attor- 
ney, of middling height, and rather light make, with a 
handsome person; his features are regular and strikiug, 
and visage round and fair; his countenance is prepossess- 
ing, and he speakes with much fluency and grace; he is 
quite young, and very promising;, his manners are truly 
engaging. } 

Dr. Lehman, is from Philadelphia, also a very engaging 
man; he is tall and kef nly made, with a small lynx t^e; 
his lace is oval, thin and handsome, and his countena.jce 
cool, ^5taid, and contemplative; he is a sensible, shrewd, 
business'gomg man, and a very handsome sjieaker — he is 
a perfect gentleman in his manners and does honor to those 
who elected him, 



260 HARKISBURG. 

B. S. Bonsall, Esq. is from Philadelphia; he is a tali 
fine figure, and handsomely featured, with a soft full black 
eye, ruddy complexion, benevolent countenance, and very 
genteel interesting manners. He was one of our commit- 
tee to fix the school plan. 

Mr. Fisher, from York, is also a genteel good looking 
man. 

J. R Shannon is from Beaver all the way; he is one 
of the finest men on the floor — one of your right down 
warm hearted men — gets acquainted in a moment, and 
uses no ceremony. This is however, peculiar to Penn- 
sylvania, excepting Philadelphia; you cannot find a fop 
in the state. Mr. S. is quite a young man, stoutly made, 
with a round, full, handsome face, and ruddy complexion. 
His countenance is humanity itself, and his manners fa- 
cinating, in the highest degree, and is the idol of all who 
know him. 

Mr. Blodget is a young looking man, of good appear- 
ance, blue eyes and easy manners. 

Mr Rohrer is likewise a fine looking young man, good 
figure, handsome features and open benevolent counten- 
ance. 

Mr, Bastress, is a portly, elderly nian, with a coarse 
visage, rather blueish, but appears of good sound sense. 

Mr. Martin, of Philadelphia, is a good looking man, and 
fine appearance. 

Mr. John Galbraith, of Franklin, is a tall fine figure, 
with a thin oval fair face, and mild engaging countenance, 
and pleasant manners, and a young looking man. 

Mr D. Lawson, is a rough farmer looking man, of mid- 
dling age and good person; his face is rather dark, with 
a fine keen intelligent eye, and benevolent countenance. 
I was much surprised to find him a man of reading, and 
general knowledge, and one of the most active mem- 
bers of the house. 

Mr. Geo. Farrell, is an amiable man, of very pleasant 
manners and feeling heart, middle aged, and very intelli- 
gent. I cannot say whether Mr F. is a member or not. 
But this I can say; he is a most valuable man to society. 
Alas! there is jio society! But I mean virtue, innocence, 



HAKRISBURG. 261 

and liberty. It is astonishing that the very few friends of 
virtue and* humanity, do hot unite for the common safety. 
Masonry, the last prop of society, is attacked by these 
savages — never was a better bait to take the unwary, and 
were jt not that what little learning, honesty and common 
sense is left from the ravages of these Tartar hordes, is 
found amongst the Masons, the curtain of liberty would 
soon drop forever. 

I received a complimentory note from Mr. Farrell, in 
approbation of the favorable opinions f expressed of Ma- 
sonry in my writing. The note does honor to theUnion; that 
if all the people in the world were Masons, no such thing 
' as war and blood shed or cruelty, would disgrace the hu- 
man race. But this is impossible while ignorance and 
knavery abounds. 

Gen. J. Ash, of York, is also amongst the respectable 
members. Likewise, Messrs. Isaac Trimble, of Chester 
county, Arthur M'Gill, of Pittsburg, Ezra Cope, of West- 
Chester, John Cox, of Shippensburg, and Samuel White 
of Petersburg, Adams county — -these are all very amiable 
^nd independent men. 

' Messrs. Livingston and Boyd, deserve the fag-end of 
the house; both hot blue-skins of the first water, and are 
from Philadelphia; very little to its credit to send men to 
make laws, who bored their tongues and hung them — I 
could take a piece of maple and make bettef men if I had 
a Yankee carpenter. I heard Livingston say, "we have 
beggars enough." Very true; but if his tract-ship, applied 
the epithet to me, I throw it back in his face. Boyd had 
an old maid with him, trying to trade her off. 

Mr. Miller, of Philadelphia, is a very fine man, but a 
little touched with the blues. 

These are the principal members, a firm generous inde- 
pendent body of men as America can boast. 

It would seem the taste of the assembly centered in the 
person of its clerk. The clerk of the house is the pride 
of the Susquehanna, and beyond question, the most per- 
fect model of manliness in the state, or perhaps in Ame- 
rica'. He is about six feet, five or six inches high, with 
clear made limbs, perfect symmetry, young,pleasing in his 



262 * HARRISBURG. 

manners, handsomely featured, and his gate easy and 
graceful; bis name is F. R. Shunk,,Esq. 

The officers of the state government, are also worthy 
respectable men — of them, the principal are Gabriel 
Heister, Esq surveyor-generaU and A. Mahon, Esq. trea- 
surer, and the auditor-general. Gen. Heister, is a rela- 
tion of ex Governor Heister, and a stout young looking 
man, with a large round fair face, dark full eyes, and ve- 
ry easy plain manners. His countenance is very interest- 

in? . 

Mr. Samuel Breniaer, his chief clerk, is one of the fin- 
est looking men in the state — he is a tall elegant figure^ 
(these Susquehanna people are giants,) quite a young man,- 
with one ol the handsomest faces in the world — his com- 
plexion is fair, his eyes full and blue, and the graces revel 
in his countenace. ^ 

Mr. J. D. Rupp, in the secretary's office, is rather a 
small man, but finely shaped, with a round fair face, and 
mild blue eyes — he very politely waited on me through 
the building, and showed me some interesting relict of 
antiquity, viz: the signature of James the 2d, king of Eng- 
land — this was written in a plain hand, while he was 
duke of York; signed James, to a deed to Penn. Also the 
original charter of Charles 2d, to Penn. The colors taken 
from the Hessians at Princeton — several deeds from the 
Indians to Penn. The first of these charters was dated in 
1692, the other in 1732. I did not see the secretary of 
state, but found a great boar sitting in his chair. 

The auditor-general, David Mann, is a very tall mid- 
dle aged man, of pleasing manners. 

Mr. Mahon, the treasurer, is a stout man, middle aged, 
full face, with a fine blue eye, and gentlemanl} manners. 
Every thing was in place in his office, and the business 
appeared to be well conducted. 

Gen. David Mann, was however, the flower of the 
flock. 

Amongst the relics of old time, I met with a number of 
chairs used by the old congress at Philadelphia, from 35 
to 40 years ago. They were very large, and newly co- 
vered with red morocco. 



^«. 



harrisboro. 263 



JUDGES. 



But one judge resides in Harrisburg. Judge Franks, 
he is a relation of my favorites, the Messrs. Keims of 
Reading, and the greatest wit and humorist of the age.—; 
"Oh, Mrs. R. if yOu go to Harrisburg, you must see Judge 
Franks — every body likes Judge Franks, he is the great- 
est wit in the state." 

s Tiie Judge having been absent, returned but a few 
hours previous to my departure, and 1 had the pleasure of 
his company but a few minutes, sufficient however, to 
discover his talent for wit and humor in which he ex- 
cels. '■ -■'■ ',-:/•■'•■ 

One of hiis stories was of a negro womaA, '& ^ibus ine- 
fhodist. She was a domestic in a merchant's house, and 
occupied a room adjoining the store. There was an open- 
ing in the partition wall, between this room and the store- 
room, and a barrel of coflfee stood near the opening; she 
set her heart upon the coffee, and drawing a chair to the 
spot, spread her apran out on her lap and began to draw 
the coffee out of the barrel, with both hands into her lap, 
and to prevent suspicion, began to sing a him, keeping 
time with her hands. But to see the J^udge mimicking, 
streiching out his hands and drawing ^hem in, singing, 
"Turn to the Lord and seek salvation, glory be to God 
that rules on high " Was superior to any comedy — a line 
for every lake. He told several anecdeitjes with admira- 
ble humor, and I was sorry we had to pai-t so soon. 

The Judge is a middle aged man, with a stout, hand- 
some person, fine full face, rather of the Grecian shape, 
and if you can imagine generosity, charity, wit and good 
nature, assuming a material image, you have a correct 
idea ol his countenance. Nothing, can give an idea of 
his eyes — unlike other eyes, are without any white, and 
■are a si^-blue. 



& 



2t)4 UAKRISBURG. 



THE BAR. 



The bar of Harrisburg, is about so so. A Yankee, Mr. 
Wood, was tolerable; they are always fond of books. Mr. 
"W. IS a middle sized man, of rather young appearance, 
handsome round fair face, and full blue eye — he has all 
the ea»e and cordial manners of the Yankees, and has a 
very interesting'family. - i i .' -K 

Mr. Maginness, one of the best of men, is no jinore. Hf 
was a middle aged, stout polished man, and one of the 
most pleasing, generous men in Pennsylvania. Peace to 
his shade. 

Wra. Ayres, Esq. of the bar, is a fine looking, stout 
man, very liberal* and gay in his manners, and hates the 
blues — -he is very promising, being a young man. 

Geo. W. Harris, Esq. is a desceadent of Col Harris. 
who gave name to Hairisburg. He is a very amiable 
young man of interesting appearance and genteel manners. 
These were all of the bar that fell in my way. 

The libera! part of the citizens of Harrisburg are rather 
in the minotity; the greatest part being Scotch-Irish. 

Messrs. Henry Beader, Jacob Puck,Samuel Haldeman, 
A. D. Kellfer, John Cameron, Henry W. Godwin, and 
H. Alward All gentlemen of generosity and kindness, 
and with a few others to come yet, keep the body and 
soui of Harrisburg together. They are plain sensible men, 
and are friendlV to the whole human race. 

Governor Slulze, I mentioned in 1st Vol. I found him 
the same — pleasant and friendly. Also Messrs. Peacock 
and Stambaugh, first and last, these were amongst the 
first citizens of Harrisburg, Mr. Stambaugh, especially, 
is one of the most humane, benevolent men on earth.* 

Mr. Wyeth, (mentioned before,) was my bookseller, 
and a faithful, friendly agent, extremely polite, and ren- 
dered me many essential services in Harrisburg, yet I 
was hurt to find him unfriendly to Masonry. The ene- 
mies of Masonry, however are 

* Mis. Stambaugh is an exception of her aex 



i^%. 



IIABRISBUBG. i26u 

"Vapours fashioned bj the breeze, 
Aspen leaves on brittle trees." 

They are strong in Harrisburg. Nor must I forget Master 
Lewis Wyeth, the most charming youth I ever saw. 

Mr. Fahnestook, I think the Prothonotary, one of the 
finest jolly souls in Harrisburg, a genuine German, and 
hates the blues — he is a middle aged, stout and hand- 
some, and carries his soul in his body, always re£jdy to 
relieve the widow and the orphan. I met with Mr. Sny- 
der in his office, another warm hearted gentleman. 

Mr. Samuel Shoch, was there too, all kind and glad to 
see m?, (but a shabby lawyer, who ran away,) I coul^d 
have spent my days with them. 

Mr. John H. Foster, cashier of the bank, is the pride 
of Harrisburg. He as well as the chief clerk, Mr. M'Cor- 
mick, are also attornies. Mr. F. is a tall, beautiful fi- 
gure, middle aged, with a keen gray eye and oval face, 
and a man of shining manners. It would be almost a sin 
to add more, though I could without exhausting the sub- 
ject. Mr. James M'Cormick, his clerk, is another Ado- 
nis — a tall, light, neat figure, fair round face, with the 
fugitive graces dancing over it, and a soft blue eye beam- 
ing beneath his mild brow. 

But of all wild beasts, the cashier or what you will, of 
the other bank, exceeded; and what makes him ten times 
uglier, he has the prettiest wife in the Union. 

As we move on the same side, we come to Mr. Wm. 
H. Doll, a respectable jeweler, an amiable man. I know 
but one more, Rev. Kay, the Unitarian parson. Mr. K. 
is of England, is a perfect gentleman, and his family highly 
accomplished. But this is common to Unitarians, they 
are greatly ahead of other sects in mental improvement. 

Dr. Keagy, I mentioned in 1st Vol. he is still the same 
amiable and kind man. 

I met with several interesting styangers at Harrisburg, 
amongst these were Dr. Beaumont, of Ontario, New York. 
Dr. B. is the principal contractor for the Pennsylvania)^ 
canal . Is a man of science, talent and business — he is ra- 
ther a small man, of youi^ appearance, and a perfect 
gentleman in his manners. Pennsylvania is highly indebt-^ 
23— Vol. H. 



^66 HARRISBURG. 

ed to him for his, efficient labors and indefatigable indus' 
try — he was one oi the contractors for the grand canal, 
and well acquainted with the business. He is highly res- 
pected laPennsyivania. He is now engaged on the Ches- 
apeake and Ohio canal. 

* Mr. Welsh, is an editor, apd resides in York, and one 
of the most agreeable friendly men I met with on my 
tour. He is a ycuiig man, iincommonly handsome, and 
pleasing in his address, and the finest black eye in nature. 

At Harrisburg also, I met with James C Gallaher, Esq^ 
of Noinstown, Montgomery county, Pa. likewise a most 
interesting man, of highly polished manners and cultivat- 
ed muid 3 was particularly struck by his studied polite- 
ness and frieiidly conversation. 

John J. Shuler, of Middletown, is likewise amongst 
the worthies of Pa. and one of her most facinating sons— r- 
he is small, and quite a young man, and if 1 am not mis- 
taken, appertains to the army. He was grossly misused 
by Major K of Fort Independence at Boston, and must 
be knov^ n to'the War Department at Washington city. 

I also had the felicity to see Capt. Ellipt, , of ^Carlisle, 
which I have mentioned. •' ' 

Also a worthy young man by the name of John Can- 
dour, Esq. he is a very accomplished, interesting man, 
and received with much pleasantry the puns played off 
with his name. 

Gens. Winchester and Swift, adverted to some where 
bark, little need be said of them. Gen S. I have noticed r 
in my Sketches. Gen. Winchester, of Baltimore, is a 
lofty, noble figure, and amongst the first men in our coun- 
try — his family is ancient and respectable, and he is a 
man of first rate talents, nor less so is Gen. Swift. 

They were sent on bj Maryland to unite with the peo- 
ple of York, for permission of the Pennsylvania Legisla- 
ture, to construct the Baltimore and Susquehanna Rail 
Read. But it appeared this measure was strongly oppos- 
ed bj the Philadelphia members from motives of selfish- 
ness, it is said, lest Baltimore might draw the trade of the 
Su^quehanpa. The people of Baltimore could not have. , 
sent two more efficiemt men to negociate the business; 



HARRISBUKG. 267 

but I saw it was impossible from the hostility of the Phil- 
adelphia members — Hare Powell opposed it like a lion. 

I overlooked a Mr. Henry Alwood or Al ward, (I can- 
not distinguish,) he is represented as middle aged, and 
genteel. Also, Mr. William Colder, as one of the worthy 
men of Harrisburg. Also a bookseller, Mr. M'Gowan, is 
quite a liberal man. 

The weather being unfavorable, 1 saw but few ladies. 
A few however called, amongst whom were Mrs. Catlin, 
Miss Burr and Glenn. The two former, the daughters of 
the architect who built the bridge at Harrisburg — these 
were by far the most accomplished females I met with in 
the state, and reminded me of the Boston ladies. Who- 
ever has seen the one may form some idea of the other; 
simple, plain and artless, ease and kindness, mark their 
manners: all nature, no art. 

Miss Glenn, is also a very accomplished woman, and 
at the head of a female seminary in Harrisburg. She is 
a tall, beautiful figure, and possesses a highly cultivated 
mind, and is the only seminary worth naming in Harris- 
burg 

I had much amusement at the house of these ladies 
with a red headed, good sound Presbyterian; he at- 
tempted to expose me by argument — "That those who 
opposed tracts and missionaries, were enemies to Christ" 
He repeated this so often I took it up, and asked, "In what 
part of the bible he found tracts? 1 never read the bible, 
I asked for information." "You never read the bible! 
you ought to read the bible." "But I think for myself." 
"Every one ought to read the bible-" "But sir, I am 
afraid if I were to read the bible, I might be guilty of 
the crimes those are who do read it " "Oh, if you deny 
the bible and the christian religion, I have no more to 
say, I am done." There was, a large party -present. — 
"Now gentlemen, this blue skin just proves what he is? 
see his hypocrisy; at the very time, agreeably to him, he 
ought to have the most to do with me, he deserts me." — 
The company burst into a loud laugh, aad the blue-skin 
picked up his hat and walked off. 



268 JiA^liRlSBURG. 

I also 1: "d u great deal of amusement with aunt Tabby, 
an old r lia, the great grand mother of all the missiona- 
ry sociraes in Harrisburg, "I hope I have the honor of 
belonging to the missionaries," said aunt Tabby. Every 
one knows her. 

THE TOAST. 

When my departure drew near, the gentlemen of Har- 
risburg were pleased to honor me with a dinner. Without 
flattering Mr. Wilson, at whose tavern the dinner was 
given; it was the most splendid I ever saw in the western 
or eastern states. 

But the Toast. — I was supported on the right by Gen- 
Ogle, the oldest general of the revolution, and on the left 
by Gen. Wise. I was asked whom I would have in front, 
I replied, the editors, my greatest friends. Accordingly, 
three editors sat before me, of whom Mr. Stambaugh of 
the Reporter, was one. 

While I was thus honored, Mr. Hay, of the Centinel, 
came up behind me, and leaning on my chair proposed a 
reconciliation I always come to the point at once, and 
taking a glass of wine, proposed he would abjure blue- 
skinism forever. This was a tough pill, he hummed and 
hawed some time — Mr. Stambaugh finding he hesitated, 
filled up a glass and said, "I will pledge you Mrs. Royall, 
Blue- skins ^ may all their throats he mtP 

Harrisburg contains between three and four thousand 
inhabitants; and besides the buildings mentioned, has a 
magnificent Masonic hall, a court-house, prison and sev- 
eral churches. 

HISTORY. 

Harrisburg was originally known as Harris' ferry, and 
was laid out as a town by Mr. Harris' son, about the end 
of the last century. The same gentleman was late a me m- 
berof Congress, and still resides in Harrisburg, thouijh I 
had not the pleasure to see him. I saw, however, the fa- 
mous Mr. Blair, who, though a rank blue-skin, deserves 



VisiT TO toM: 269 

much credit for making the northern turnp&e '-he was 
an old man, and as sour as a Crab-appre. 1 met ., h sev- 
eral Jews in my tour, very fine men 

About to take leave, • have a word oT praise to bestow 
on Mr. Bueliler of the tavern, that in attention, rooms ar.d 
table, he de'^ervf^s the patronage of the public: and no h-'ss 
does Mr. Wilson. Harrisbuig excels in good lavei'os and 
hoarding -houses: and as to mnmbers of tlie StsU-;, tiiey are 
not behind any men in America in (•ouiif\sy, good sensr^, 
and good hearts. Long may they remam the strongest 
pillar of the Union! 

VISIT TO YORK. 

On the coldest, snowy, blustering day I ever felt, about 
one o'clock, P. M. I took the stage for Yoik with my 
friend and favorite, xMr. Welsh of that town. We pass- 
ed through the same beautiful country, f travelled upon 
my route to Pittsburg, viz. tiirough Middietown, and over 
Swatara river — but the snow poured down to such a de- 
gree that we could not see ten steps before us, and I be- 
came so chilled with the cold that Mr. Welsh, one of the 
humane fraternity, pulled off his upper cloak and put it 
round me. The Susquehanna, we crossed little a above 
Columbia. But the sight of the river was terrific; the waves 
rolling high, the ice running, and a demi-flood from the 
melting of the snow, and nothing but a skiff to cross in. 
My trunks were piled up in the bow, and wrapped up in 
Mr. Welsh's cloak, which he held round me, and laid 
across his lap that the wind might not blow me overboard, 
we stood for the opposite shore, contending with ice, 
snow, wind, and flood, one mile — no other woman, except- 
ing a sqiiaw, would have crossed the river this dav- 

We had now a long way to go after sunset, ar.d as 
cold as Greenland. About nine o'clock we arrived at 
*23 



270 YORK. 

YORK, 

When I was met at the door of the tavern by five or six 
gentlemen, who expected me in that evening's stage, and 
who literally carried me into the house. 

Here was great joy. Mr. Barthee, a French gentle- 
man, and several others whom I had seen in Harrisburg, 
apprised of my intended arrival, were at the tavern rea- 
dy to receive me. Thus carressed, as I wa>^, on all sides, 
a warm room and a hot cup of tea soon restored my spir- 
its and converse. They had heard every thing about me 
from the papers and from my friends. I was perfectly ac- 
quainted. We laughed at the missionaries, tracts, and 
bible societies; and the house rang with mirth and glee 
till a late hour, when Mr. Welsh, who never yet left my 
side, took leave and I retired to my chamber. 

York is situated in a rich plain, on a stream called the 
Codorus, and used to be called Little York in the time 
of the revolution, and is fiamous in the history of the war. 
It is an old town and contains nearly 5,000 inhabitants; 
and is the capital of York county. It is about 80 miles 
south-west from Philadelphia, and about a days journey 
north of Baltimore. It contains a court-house, prison, an 
academy, several churches, and does much business; 
though it is about stationary, as it is cut oiF from all ad- 
vantages of trade in the canalling business. It appears 
that Philadelphia is determined to sacrifice \ork to its 
own selfishness, lest by extending navigation to the latter, 
Baltimore would be benefited. I cannot say I feel much 
interested for the tongue boring Baltimore, as they en- 
courage missionaries rather too much for me. But I do 
think it is hard on York; the legislature will not consent 
to its making a rail-road, even at its own expense, so that 
they are held as slaves to the caprice of Philadelphia, 
consequently York must go down. 

York is regularly laid out like Philadelphia, and some 
of the houses are well built of brick, some of wood, and 
a few of stone. The court house is an ancient and res- 
pectable pile, built by Penn m 1749. In this building the 



YORK. 271 

sword presented to General Lafayette by the state, was 
delivered to him; 1 was in the room, it is on the eecOiid 
story to the lelt. The court sits in the lower story on a 
plain unpainted bench — every thing plain; nor has the bar, 
box, or bench, ever been painted. 

Court was in session at the time, and whom think you, 
was the presiding judge? Even the wooden nutmeg man, 
mentioned in the 1st Vol. who travelled with me from 
Lancaster. 

It would actually appear that mankind was not intend- 
ed to be free — here is a race of men as brave as Ceesar, 
fought and bled, and suffeied untold hardships. Who 
fought harder for liberty tiian Pennsylvania.'' I never read 
of their bleeding feet, but I shed tears. This is forgot! A 
new race has sprung up, unworthy as they are ignorant of 
the blessing. 

What under Heaven, but their inability to govern them- 
selves, could possess them to make this blue skin Yankee 
a judge over liberal, honest men? CoUld they not find a 
native Pennsylvanian? They are guilty of treason to them- 
selves. 

His honor bad not taken his seat, and a number of good 
honest farmers being assembled in the couit-house— I 
made them a speech upon the subject, which was received 
with great approbation. I told them of the danger of en- 
couragmg these blue-skin pedlers, and how they would 
peddle themselves into favor with the women, and then 
into their money chests. They gazed at me in astonish- 
ment — never came into their heads that Pennsylvanians 
would make as good judges as Yankees. 

My pursuits left me but one day to spend at York, and 
my parlor was thronged during the time, the crowd was 
formidable, the house could not contain them; the street 
and back-yards were covered. But my guardian angels 
formed a phalanx around me; look behind when I would, 
Barthee, or some of the faternity was always at my back. 
Mr. Barthee, is a light figure, dark complexion, thin oval 
face, with a soft black eye, and a countenance of uncom- 
mon sweetness; his manners, what we might suppose, 
candid and genteel. 



272 YORK. 

Gen. Ash, is a tall, slender, laaiddle aged man, of tine 
appearai'CP, and elegant manners 

Gen. Jacob Spangler, is likewise a noble figure, and a 
most excellent man. 

Gen. Michael Daudel, Col. James A. Connelly, Messrs. 
James B. Webb, David Duck}, Henry Snyder, and Mr. 
Porter, with those who have gone before; ar ^ the cream of 
York, and are some of our best men. The tavern keep, 
er, M'Graih, was very attentive and keeps a good house. 

I me« with Mr. Charles G. A. Barnetz and Mr. Farel- 
er, (1 cannot distinguish the last name,) and Mr. William 
Harry. The latter lived ten miles from York, a most 
gentleman-like man I am under great obligations to this 
gentleman, and hope we may meet again. Mr Barnetz, 
lives about a mile from York, and is one of the most use- 
ful men in the state. He is one of the best farmers in the 
fiist place, and in the second place, he employs a larger 
capital in the improvement of stock of all sorts, from the 
horse down to the goose He is sa'^d to have the best 
breed of cattle in Pennsylvania; he has sold $4,000 worth 
of cattle in one year, of his own raising! independently 
of other stock John Bull may boast as he pleases a^out 
hi'^ fine farms — Germany may boast of her princes and 
Scotland of her lairds and her kad; but give me a Penn- 
sylvania German farmer. 

The Germans are the foundation and the top-stone of 
the wealth, strength, and independence ot Pennsylvania, 

I have just heard from Congress and the Sunday mail 
men, the amount of which is, whether we will surrender 
our liberties or not! There ought to be a decided nee^a- 
tiv«- given to such an insolent request at once, and put the 
matter at rest forever. If Congress has hot the power 
to do so, warranted as they are by the constitution, then 
they are like the "Indian's knife, a great gew-gaw handle 
without a blade." They certainly have the power to de- 
clare all public enemies, who are such 

1 had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. John Smith and 
his lady, at York. Mr. Smith is mentioned in 1st Vol. of 
tb^ Black Book; he is a citizen of N. York, and has a sum- 
mer residence at Sing-Sing, on the Hudson river. 



YORK. 273 

I had often met with Mr. Smith, but never saw his lady 
until riew; she is the handsomest and at once the most ac- 
complished female I ever saw from that city. They were 
returning from Washington city, where they had been on 
a visit, 

I had intended to visit Gettysburg and Emmitsburg — 
my heart was particularly set on these two places, espe- 
cially, as I had known one of the proprietors of the form- 
er. I was furnished with letters to Rev. P. Egan, presi- 
dent of "Mount St. Mary's Seminary," of whom I had 
heard the highest commendation. But unfortunately there 
was no regular stage, and I hastened to Washington. 



APPENDIX, 



I MET with nothing extraordinary upon the road 
from York to Washington, where I arrived 23d 
January, 1829. 

I had written to Washington — " I would arrive 
on that day" — and sent money to purchase wood, 
and gave instruction to have a fire in my parlour 
and every thing in readiness, for the moment I ar- 
rived I must go to writing. 

What was my astonishment to find my young 
woman absent. No fire! no wood!— and my time 
having nearly run out for the third Black Book, I 
went to writing without a fire! and to, my astonish- 
ment not a neighbor could give me any intelligence 
of my woman. 

Late one evening, about three weeks afterwards, 
she came in with a thumping young Missionary 
under her cloak — a fine hoy, the very image of 
Holy Willy. And *« whose is that?" — " 1 don't 
know, madam. ." Why do you bring it to me?" — 
<« I don't bring it to you, I am taking it to my sis- 
ter to nurse, and just called in to see you." Why 
cannot the mother nurse it?— «» she is a young 
lady and a great family, and the thing U a secret, 
and I got good wages," Sec. &c. This is the beau- 
ty of religion, and much better than throwing them 
in the canal or cutting their throats at church 
doors. This child is now eight months oldj well 
grown, and begins to say •'« tracts" already. Mr. 
Danforth of the Infant School, it is said, is to have 
him. 

Meantime it appears a scheme had been laid 
amongst the godly of Capitol Hill> to convert me 
1 



2 APPENDIX. 

either with or without my consent. To this end 
holy mobs of boys (black and white) would beset 
my house with showers of stones — yel — blow horns, 
and call me holy names. 

This was usuallyat night, when the "out-pouring 
of divine goodness" is most powerful. All this 
has been published. 

Meanwhile, as I still testified a stubborn spirit, 
Holy Willy, moved with compassion for my lost 
state, would often be seen under my window with 
his hands and eyes raised to heaven in silent prayer 
for the convertion of my soul. In this, however, I 
might be mistaken as there was another lost sinner 
under my room. She had strayed from the path 
of rectitude and had two douce colored children; 
and whether the holy maji's prayers were designed 
for her or me, I am not able to say. But it is 
clear he could have nothing but the good of our 
souls in view. What else could bring so pious a 
man there? 

But I was a hardened sinner. Neither the pray- 
ing in the Engine house, or the pious stone throw- 
ings — Holy Willy's visits, nor even Preacher 
Thunder (who has returned with a large recruit of 
twenty-four pounders) was likely to have any ef- 
fect, and I was lost if some more pious method 
was not resorted to. 

About this time a council was held to which all 
the good pious men of Capitol Hill repaired. 

Amongst these were some mighty good pious 
souls who were turned out of office, and others 
who expected to be turned out. This revived 
good holy pious feelings in their bosoms, and glo- 
rious were the out-pouring of the divine grace. — 
*' Oh that we had our holy religion established," 
said Mucklewrath, **- we would bring this heretic 
to a speedy repentance. ** Yes," said Hallelujah, 
liolding forth, «' the inquisition is the thing: it 
would open her eyes to the light of our holy and 
precious religion." 



AI'PENDIX. 6 

Simon Sulpher who had been closely engaged 
"with the Lord, breathing pious ejaculations, beged 
leave to be heard. My friend Coklkail, who had 
been chosen moderator, said « Speak on brother, 
for, Lord be thankit, I hae nae ill will against the 
leddy, gude though she hae call'd us names, and 
* has set the world in a roar o' laughing at us.' " 

« I think, for my part," said Simon Sulpher, 
<« this woman is beyond grace, and if we can fall 
on some plan to remove her, that we might serve 
the Lord in peace, it would be best and never 
mind her soul, a civil prosecution is our only hope." 

♦•' I second the motion," said Holy Willy, <« a 
little coertion is sometimes attended with salutary 
effects. Our holy meetings yeilds no refreshment 
to my soul so long as this heretic eats, drinks and 
sleeps, in peace." He spoke this with power and 
great boldness in the Lord — took a drink of water 
from a glass which stood before him, wiped hi& 
mouth, and sat down. Mucklewrath spoke next; 
not being a gifted man, he said but little. One of 
the Raws spoke next: — «* Gentlemen, if we let this 
woman alone, I mean if we suffer her, gentlemen 
to write more Black Books, she will Black Book 
us all out of the office, 1 can swear to that. I sup- 
pose you've heard of — being turned out to-day^ 
and I'm of opinion she ought to be had up, that is 
] think, she ought not to be let alone for writing 
these Black Books. They say she is writing one 
now that's as bold as Beelzebub, and all them mem- 
bers of Congress bleevs every word that's in them 
books, [quite probable] and I'm sure there's not a 
word of truth in them to my sartin knowledge. I 
can swear that any day." " Well well," said Ho- 
ly Willy, " we'll see about that very good idea, 
Mr. Raw." Mr. Love Lady rose next — " Gentle- 
men, I am partly of your opinion, yet I would 
rather recommend mild measures. Love overcomes 
all things you know, and you'll admit that I have 
been a useful member in the church. I hav& 



4 APPENDIX. 

brought many a wandering sister to a true sense 
of the love of God; and if I may express myself, I 
must say my bowels yearns over this poor lost sin- 
ner. Let me try what ran be done.* Holy Willy 
shook his head, and a murmur ran through the as- 
sembly, and no one seconded the motion, as my 
friend (who was present) informed me. For some 
time there was a dead silence, when counsellor 
Raw took the floor. He began by saying — " He 
was clearly of opinion that I might be prosecuted 
on various grounds. She is a disturber of the 
peace. Even cats could not mew for her. She 
wished to stop good pious boys from throwing 
stones on the Sabbath, and objects to mobs parad- 
ing the streets at night, or pulling down houses, 
carrying off carts and steps, and other pious things; 
she even refused to let Justice Young and Judge 
Throwstones- sons play ball against her room 
door. Why it is only the other day she had the 
assurance to go to our corporation for a warrant 
to turn some' mighty good pious ladies of Capitol 
Hill out of her own house. This you'll all admit 
is not to be suffered amongst us good pious people 
of Capitol Hill. This, gentlemen, will support an 
action of itself: only put the law on her, and she'll 
soon leave our good pious neighborhood, so that 
cats may mew in peace, and our pious young ladies 
and girls may walk the streets — ay, did she not 
say in the hearing of some very good people of 
Capitol Hill, that it was audacious for parents to 
let girls walk the pavements with coloied boys. — ■ 
Now, gentlemen, you all know that she is a heretic 
by this." 

Counsellor Raw's speech was received with great 

* It was about this time that Love Lady's aon-in-Iaw, Johnney 
^aio, walking with several gentlemen and ladies through the Cap- 
itol, came suddenly upon this shining light of the gospel, while he 
was in the act of converting a colored woman. They were both 
in a state of nature, so that it seems even our Capitol is also ap- 
propriated to holy purposes. It was his daughter that lilced to 
have fainted when I drove the cats away. 



APPENDIX. S 

applause. Some praised his wisdom, while all ap~ 
plaiided his piety. 

Holy Willy seemed rather doubtful — *« Statutes'' 
said he " some old laws for slight crimes, and our 
business is to find evidence. For instance, drunk- 
enness — let us take up that — you know — all the 
ladies — you understand; that will put her in the 
Work-house. Can any of you say." 

Had I been a drunkard, a street-walker or a 
missionary, I should have been safe enough; for it 
is well ascertained I was the only woman on the 
Hill who was clear of those virtues. 

" No," replied Hallelujah, holding forth, « I 
have enquired the whole city over, and all thos^ 
who knew her, says she never drinks even a glass 
of wine." 

It appears my godly friends had been at great 
trouble enquiring over the wliole country wherever 
I had travelled, and corresponding with pious good 
men to pick some hole in my reputation for the 
good of my soul. Which of them could sustain 
such a trial? 

" Weel, weel," said Coldkail, *< we^l mack nae 
bustle aboot it noo. Let's a' meet this day eight 
days, and I'll hae a few cannie books. I'll con 
them owre wi muckle care at hame. She's as 
douceahereteekas e're was stretch'd on eeron spike, 
prying into a' focks business. For, by myself, 
then, honest Toby and holy Nurse mon be turned 
oot o' house and hame by her glibe pen; and she'll 
ne're stop, I ken her weel freends, till she clears 
MS a' oot o' oflSce; and gin ye find eveedence I'll 
find law: so gude een' freends: a' must meet here 
as we at first decreed. 

The assembly broke up for that time, and every 
one was engaged in prayer and supplication to 
heaven during the interval, that the Lord would 
come down in his power and aid them in convert- 
ing so obdurate a sinner. 

Love Lady would cjivpy loads of tracts by my 
i* 



6 APPENDIX. 

door, and crying out, in the fervency of Lis heai-t 
*' who wants to go to heaven? here is your passport: 
read this." His soul seemed as though it had 
wings. One night, after praying amongst those 
mighty good pious ladies—" Ah," said he, smack- 
ing his lips, " I'de rather spend on hour in this 
way than to be at the greatest feast in the world." 
For the best of reasons. 

Meantime the day of adjournment came round, 
and a larger party than before assembled. Cold- 
kail in his researches had succeeded beyond his 
wishes, and counsellor Raw had not been idle. 

" Oh I have it freends, (taking a bundle from 
under his arm) I have seen liis honor, and he is 
ooi's. He has a right gude will to oor side, de ye 
know. I stepid ower to his Honor's for a book, 
ye'l! mind, and there I lights on the vara thing it- 
sell; and, for by that, I larend this hereteek has of- 
fered a great indeegnity to his honor. All the bet- 
ter, ye mind — so gin ye'll mack oot the ae thing, 
I'll mack oot the tither. To he plain wi ye; gin 
ye'll find witnesses I'll find law. But why do I 
talk, here's the books." 

Coldkail now opened a large book, while the as- 
sembly drew up in breathless impatience. Many 
places were marked in the book, which were point- 
ed out to the pious ssembly. Some were read, 
and others merely pointed to with the finger of 
christian love and evangelical exultation. The 
scene that followed was a complete REVIVAL. 
The house rang with praises to , and all pre- 
sent /^/i the worth of the Bible and evangelical 
tracts. It was a complete out-pouring. 

My friend, being elbowed out, could only distin- 
guish broken sentences, such as *' Cart-tail — Duck- 
ing-stool — Sabbath-School — Fine and imprison- 
ment — Outpouring — Nuisance— Lord M ansfield — 
We'll tie her neck and heels— Glorious gospel — ■ 
Virago — Only let us get hold of Jier — Vital reli- 
gion — I wish we could hang her— The Holy Bi- 



APPENDIX. 7 

Ij^e—Drownin::^ will do as well — Judge Holt, page 
326 — Revealed religion— Statute, Henry the VIII. 
— Refreshing revivals." 

All the statutes of England were read or search- 
ed down to George III. in the true christian spirit. 
I was pleased that the gospel spreaders were so 
deeply interested for my soul [my body was to go to 
pot] that the et'a?i|"eiica/ tractical-biblical-sabbath 
school-])rayer meeting, good, honest, pious, sound 
Presbyterians of Capitol Hill, had come to a reso- 
lution to convert me. 

After uniting in solemn prayer and thanksgiving, 
tlie meeting bioke up. Meantime a number of 
drunken chaiacters came to my house daily — some- 
times in the dead of night to buy sweet drams. 
Some would want one thing, some another. 

One of these fellows stole in one day without 
knocking I lived in the second story, and hearing 
footsteps. I walked to the head of the stairs and be- 
held a shabby man with a woman's checked apron 
in his hand. He continued to advance. *' Stop, 
sir," said I, " what do you want?" "I came to buy 
some meal." *' Who sent you to me for meal?" — • 
" The people at that blue house," meaning Captain 
Coyle's, to which he pointed. Every one may 
guess what this was done for. While these were 
sent to my door, a holy shoemaker, opposite, kept 
watch. He could swear that this kind of company 
visited my house. The good pious shoemaker, 
however, discovered too many coaches, &c. stop- 
ing at my door. This was cold iron to the party. 

It may as well be explained here, that the good 
pious people of Capitol HiU were only the cat-paws 
of Dr. Ely and Pope Duffield, the agents of the 
General Assembly* But these would never have 
dared to make the attempt but for the items in first 

* Thank God Dickinson College is broke up, and !N''is3 S., the 
old maid, and the professors turned into a comedy I j«|j saw a 
copy of the play, lately printed at Carlilse Gen. Gibson %nd 
Col. Towson, it is sud, is to have a place in the ne«( edition. 



8 APPENDIX. 

volume of my Pennsylvanian. These items raised 
the wind; and all the discarded officers, and those 
that expected to be turned out, offered their ser- 
vices. I had long thwarted the godly people. Now 
was their time to measure their strength, if ever. 
Many weighty state matters were at stake — the 
new Congress was soon to meet — I had influence 
there— I would be infavor of turn otit — I would unite 
with ray friends in Congress to oppose the Sunday- 
mail-bill — I was a bar to all their out-pourings — I 
even foretold the swindling of Nurse and Watkins — 
I told too many truths — I must be put down — but 
how was it to be done? I had powerful friends — . 
Who can they be? She must have powerful friends 
or she would never dare to attack the first people 
in the government. She must have some secret 
friend. She has thrown off the mask and came 
out a Jackson man. It must be some of these. A 
prosecution is the thing to draw them from their 
biding places. We will then attack them separate- 
ly, and may finally overcome." Of all this, I was 
apprised; and to save trouble, if Dr. Ely, Duffield, 
and their tools of Capitol Hill wish to know my 
friends, their names are at their service, viz: — 
Truth and Independence. It is needless to name 
ray enemies. Had they not been fools as well as 
knaves, they might have known my friends. Those 
who vindicate truth have the whole world for theip 
friends. « Law, law^ law, is^ the thing. [The gos- 
pel was taking a nap.] Put her in jeopardy, you 
will soon find her friends. This will show how 
far the administration is with us. It will prove 
whether the President is of the true evangelical 
faith or not." The party prayed again and had a 
precious out-pouring. All who opposed reform 
flocked to the holy standard. These were backed 
by the good sound Presbyterians throughout the 
unicm, la^ith oaths and money at their service. So 
that jmy convertion mi^ht be called a law-full con- 
vention and fuU of law. Tius armed the cpusade be- 



APPENDIX. 9 

gan against an oM woman, ft was David anfl Goliah. 
Meantimie, as success was donbtful, despurate at- 
tempts were made to dislodge me fiom my strong 
hold — my house tormented tiiem — I could see all 
their out-pouring — It overlooked the whole city — 
*« yea even unto Dan," and as darkness favors 
villainy, these mobs always came in the night. — 
But I was firm as a rock, and to the Grand Jury 
they went; and not being agreed on the crime, re- 
solved to trust to the Lord and a good conscience. 
Butsach another indictment [it ought to have been in 
the play] was never upon record — " I being an 
evil disposed person, abused the mighty good pious 
people of Capitol Hill, in such things as saying, the 
child found in the canal was the fruits of their cat- 
ter walling, as she is pleased to call prayer meet- 
ing," and here we had [drawn up by Justice Young] 
*' such as saying" in every sentence. The paper 
was copied and lianded about, and laughed at for 
a week, and I was summoned to appear, to the dis- 
grace of America, on this paper. I burst into a 
laugh in the face of the Court, and was dismissed. 
But they sought the Lord, day and night, and by 
his help the Grand Jury, in about eight days writ- 
ing, found another bill, for simple misdemeanor 
only; and upon this, I was tried. The indictment 
contained three charges, viz: — <^ A public nuisance, 
a common brawler and a common scold." Every 
legal man will be astonished, that the Grand Jury 
of our metropolis, should be so ignorant as not to 
know these charges could not be brought before 
them. A drunkard, or an abandoned woman in- 
festing the streets can be committed to the work- 
house as a common nuisance; but no such thing is 
cognizable by a Grand Jury; and had I been one 
of those characters, I should have been safe enough, 
as they are too popular on Capitol Hill or any other 
hill in the city.* 

* Every one recollects Doctor May's pulling a tooth for Mrs. 

Covle. 



10 APPENDIX. 

Meanwhile the pious prosecntors, wishing to feel 
the pulse of public opinion before the Grand Jury 
found (what no one «lse would find,) a true bill, 
circulated through the city, that I had fled from 
prosecution — that I was in prison, and various other 
out-pourings of the gospel. One man says to me, 
" Why, when did you return to the city? I have 
a letter for you several days, but did not know 
where to send it." Another, " When did you get 
out of prison?" I do not blame the holy people for 
iieing, but I blame others for believing them. 

At length the trial came on. Two of the counts 

were quashed by the Court, and that of a common 

SGoId was sustained, and I made my courtesy before 

tiieir honors, Judges Cranch, Thruston and the. 

- sweet Morsel. 

Judge C. was described formerly as resembling 
Judge Marshall. This is incorrect, owing to my 
having seen him but once in the dusk of the evening. 
He is younger than the Chief Justice; has a longer 
face, with a good deal of the pumpkin in it, [though 
my friend said the pumpkin was in his head.] Let 
this be as it may, I was always partial to Judge C. 
because he was a Yankee — a Unitariarif and a near 
relation of my friend the ex-president Adams, whom 
I shall always remember with gratitude and esteem. 
Let my Jackson friends say what they please, I 
never blamed him for the corruption that has crept 
into the government. I blamed Mr. Madison and 
Mr. Monroe for putting such people into office, and 
why Mr. Adams should be saddled with other peo- 
ple's faults, I confess I have not sense enough to 
discover. In short the government, upon its first 
trial, is like any other machine, some parts proved 
unsound, others not fitted to the place intended. — 
This being ascertained upon trial, the people re- 
solved to new muddle it. They have the best right 
to do so. Let them go on. But to return. Judge 
Thruston is about the same age as Judge Cranch, 
and harder featured. He is laughing proof. He 



APPENDIX. 11 

looks as though he had sat upon the rack alj his 
life, and lived upon crab-apples They are hoth 
about fifty years of age. The sweet Morsel, who 
seems to sit for his picture, is the same age, his 
face round and wrinkled, and resembles the road 
on Giandott, after the passage of a troop of hogs. 
He is thick and short. They all have a worn look, 
and never w^as three judges better matched in faces. 
This was the court called the long parliment by 
whom I was to be tried. I did not know for what. 
The Bar of Washington I have mentioned, but it 
was the first time 1 had the pleasure of seeing Mr. 
Cox', also Mr. Key, the author of <« The Star 
Spangled Banner," Mr. Hall, of the city, and a 
few from Alexandria. Mr. Cox and Mr. Jones 
undertook my defence, tiiough Mr. Jones was call- 
ed away before the trial was oyer and the whole of 
it fell upon Mr. Cox. Mr. Cox is a young looking 
man — a tall, erect figure — an oval, fair face and 
sparkling blue eyes. His features are fine and his 
countenance is defused with an engaging softness. 
His manners are elevated and prepossesing. He 
acted gentlemanly throughout the whole triial, and 
made an able defence. Mr. Smith, his partner, 
was also my friend, and is at once one of the hand- 
somest men in Washington. The Court House 
w^as crowded, as the trial was the first of the sort 
ever tried in the United States, and excited much 
interest I was seated in the midst of the Lawyers, 
who with the Marshal, Clerks, &c. paid me all 
possible attention and respect. The Jury sat to 
the right of the Bench. I did not challenge any 
as I hoped to be out when they were swornj but I 
would suppose twelve more ignorant men could not 
have been picked out in the District. Ihere was 
George Upper Leather, Will Chissel, Ovevdone Carr, 
Jack Pill Box, John Stirrup Leather^ Phill Yard- 
stick, Tom Lapstone, Dick Tape, Bob Bouncer^ 
Hall Saucepan, and the others 1 did not know: but 
it would puzzle Hogarth to paint them; and as to 



12 APPENDIX. 

the witnesses, there was an out-pouring of them.-^ 
Fifteen were summoned against me: only eleven of 
these attended, viz: — Captain Coyle, son, and son- 
in law, two Dunns, some of the McCormacks, Mr. 
Watterston, Messrs. Frost and Harry Hedgehog, 
an insane man, and Machen. 

I shall make a proposition to my friends in Con- 
gress to have the whole painted and put in the Ro- 
tunda with our national paintings, reserving a con- 
spicuous place for myself. " Hear, Tsreal," the 
testimony of Captain Coyle He began to place 
his feet as though he had set in for a four hour's 
sermon. It was quite an out-pouring of christian 
love; but I have only room for a sh(trt extract. He 
said " I called him a d — ^ — d old bald headed son of 

a b h;" not only once but three times! I thought 

his platter face grew broarder. 

Now it is unnecessary for me to make any re- 
mark upon this, as I am personally known to more 
people than any one person, perhaps, in the Union. 
This was the identity of conscience. It was double 
distilled. He is the only person in the world that 
ever heard me sware. Mr. John Coyle, Jr. and 
a, son-in-law followed. Their testimony was noth- 
ing but a long tale of labored nonsense of no weight. 
But I was too much diverted with their long faces 
to attend to what they s^id. They had seated 
themselves together, flat on the carpet several 
hours — held down their heads, and seemed to be 
seeking the Lord. But such another hideous pair 
of doleful faces never faced a Court. They drew 
the eyes of e\ery one in the Court House. They 
had sat so long they appeared to be hipshot when 
they got up I think my friend Watterston follow- 
ed. He being a learned man in Isreal, paid me 
many compliments, alike honorable to himself and 
me. He said " I called all the Presbyterians cut- 
throats." I suppose he learned his speech out of 
the Sunday-School Union-books. 

Mr. Metchen of the Senate^ came next. He 



APPENDIX. 13 

{ookcil like Satan's walking staff.. His long face, 
reached hair, and affected gaiety had complete 
stage-effect. His testimony amounted to nothing 
but a history of our acquaintance, of no consequence. 
In short there was neither sense nor weight in the 
whole of it, excepting Captain Coyle's. " I came 
into the office one day, and I said so and so." A 
perfect burlesque. 

But they were frightened to death. They shook 
like aspins. 

But one of the McCormacks set the house in a 
roar. He was a good natured simpleton: his A'ery 
countenance was the talisman to mirth. This was 
isport for the lawyers: they saw at once he was their 
man, and set him down for the butt. 

When he x'^'s through the testimony (a silly jar- 
gon.) He said " 1 sat in my window, one Sunday, 
vrith a book in my hand, which he supposed was my 
Black Book." Mr. Swann (U. States Attorney) 
asked — « If that was all?" " Why he could say 
more, but he did not like to do it in that place. — 
He'd rather not." We must have it, sir: it is im- 
portant that you tell the whole truth." " I was 
walking with some ladies, one day, and she asked 
me if I was not ashamed to walk with them old 
maids." '* Well may be they were old maids."— 
" No they wasn't, for one of them was my sister." 
Poor Swann was seized with such a fit of laughter, 
there was an end to asking questions.* In the 
course of his testimony he mentioned Tom Oyster- 
tongs, some clerk. My lawyer asked him *< how 
he knew that was Tom Oystertongs?'* " Why by 
the description, he knew it must be him. *• It was 
so exact, was it? " Yes, I knew him by the des- 
cription." He was asked, what he thought I sat in 
the window for? — " Why he supposed to see what 
was going on in the Engine House at the prayer 
meetings." « She could see in then?" <* yes, 
she could see every thing that passed." 

Those who have the laugh iipon then- side have the victory, 
2 



14 APPENplX. 

*' When ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise." 

Another of the McCormacks, if I am not mista- 
ken, the Postmaster of Gon.^ress, that one who 
looks as though his face were stung by hornets — 
another Solomon— being s\vorn, lie steped forth, 
and hemed and hawed, and seemed to be tuining 
his words over and over in his mouth by way of 
cooking them. At length 



silence broke 



" And with so gnim an aspect spoke, 
" Those people that the circle stood in 
" Fancied his moutli was full of pudding." 

One of the Dunn's was also amusing. Every 
one may guess what raised the wind with them — 
they opjMise refornj. I went to Mrs. ^ :nin's board- 
ing house,* last winter, to see a friend, the hon. Mr. 
H(dmes of N.C., when h>! I met an old snap-dragon, 
who had like to have devoured me, and certainly 
would with the aid of this flourishing Fill, if I had 
not been rescued by Secretary Branch. 

But on my way to tlie Court, a letter was put 
into my hand containing a caricature of a ducking 
car, accompanied with a letter suited to the occa- 
sion. In this picture 1 was drawn, chained hard 
and fast in the. car. 1 he car drawn by a horse — 
drove by Tench Ringgold, naked with a tail like a 
monkey. [This is the good people of Capitol Hill.] 
And that he might show to advantage, he was 
standing up. I had a hint it was one of the Dunn's, 
[It is time for reform, and I hope Congress will 
not insult their constituents by retaining such ofli- 
cers.] I showed the picture to the gentlemen, who 
were much amused at Mr. Ringgold, but he by no 
means relished the joke. But Dunn is another 
walking-staiF — his hair mackarony — his arms over 
six feet extended — his face pale — nose hooked, 
with a grey goggle eye, Shakespeare's smile. His 

* I hope no decent inember of Congress will patronize such a 
house. Poor Tyier<°»the hounds have drove him out of the pack. 



APPENDIX. 15 

testimony was about my rencounter with the snap- 
dragon, of no import; but had you seen his swells. 
He has seen some gentlemen pick their teeth and 
extend their arms. Finding the picture excited a 
good deal of laughter, and he often pointed at, he 
rolled his goggle eyes upon the company— 

" With a science most profound," 

Which proved he could 

" Distinguish rotten eggs from sound." 

He went, crying, home to his mama 

" She saw he'd almost broke his heart. 

And like a good mother took his part. 

*' My son I'm vexed to hear thee cry: 

Come tell mama the reason why." 

From the bottom of his wame he sighed^ 

And to his mama thus replied — 

" Oh — that Alhgator"-—the rest was lost in sobs. 

There was another of these Bobby Dills-— ;but 
Harry Hedge Hog — his voice was like « the dic- 
ing notes of a saw under the hands of the butcher.'* 
My friends advised me to take out a « writ de lu- 
natico inquirendo" against him. I had a notion of 
taking out one against the whole of them. This 
was all worth naming. 

I had but few witnesses, knowing how it would 
end — Secretary Eaten and a few ladies. Their 
testimony was clear and unequivocal, and directly 
opposed to the testimony of the prosecution. But, 
as i understood, several of the otficers of Congress 
svere summoned on the part of the District, I sum- 
moned a few too, particularly General Bailey, to 
rebut the testimony of Machen. The General took 
sick upon the strength of it, and did not appear. — 
Tlie next day, walking round the Capitol Square, 
I saw tlie General walking toward me, and as soon 
as he tu!*ned the corner he began to limp, and seem- 
ed ill. Mr. Hickey did attend, but unfortunately 
he was deaf in one ear [hope Congress will find a 
clerk that can hear out of both ears] and the good 



16 APPENDIX. 

ear was always turned to my house and the deaf 
brie to the Bhie skins. 

But Mr. Tims, was pure gold, he never flinched. 
I hope the Senate may keep him in office as a re- 
ward for his honesty. He ought to have a statue 
to perpetuate tlie fact that one honest man was 
found in the government. He said " he never 
knew me to slander but two people in his life, and 
that was himself and Mr. Watteiston, and that was 
when she said we were the cleverest men in the 
city." This, we may say, put au end to the busi- 
ness for that day, as the whole were convulsed with 
laughter, except Judge T. In fact the whole of the 
examination kept the house in a roar. Such an- 
other ludicrous farce was never played before a 
judicial tribunal. 

Mr. Swann being worn out by his long attend- 
ance upon the long parliament, proposed to let the 
cause go to the jury without argument to which 
my counsel agreed, and after a short address by 
myself, the jury retired, hut soon returned with a 
verdict of guilty. It was said they were all Bla« 
densburg-men! 

This was pumpkin pie to Judge Cranch — the 
sweet Morsel licked out his tongue, and Judge 
Thrust-on looked as fiery as Mount JEtna, so dis- 
pleased with the verdict. The sound Presbyterians 
returned thanks, and I requested the Marshal, the 
next time I was tried, to summon twelve Tom Cats 
instead of Bladensburg-men. 

One Would have thought Overton Carr would 
have hung the jury forever, as he knew the prose- 
cution was contrary to the laws of the United 
^ates. Thus we see the danger of not changing 
the officers of the government. See how all hung 
together — the chivalrous Bailey and Hickey — 
every soul of them but Tims, though they hated 
each other. Such another instance of corruption 
is not surpassed by any department in the govern- 
ment. Had I, or any other innocent person, beea 



APPEyDfX. 17 

tried for murder, it would have been the same 
thing. Are these men fit to be retained in govern- 
ment? But the blackness of the plot is yet to unfold. 
Meantime, I hope Congress will see to this, as one 
of their wives or even themselves (as I see they 
have the insolence to talk of impeaching the Presi- 
dent) may be the next person brought up. 

Mr. Cox arrested the judgment, and another 
laughable scene took place. As soon as I waacalled on 
for security, my friends (sunshine friends I mean) 
were all seized with the epidemic, and flew out of 
the Court House. Somebody said « there is your 
friend General Van Ness, Mr. Royal." Not witft 
a view of asking him to be my security but to en- 
quire after Mrs. Van Ness, I advanced towards 
him. He walked off in the opposite direction. I 
soon overtook him — f^ How do you do. General?*' 
but he, like Mr. Hick^y, was deaf on that side; 
but he had the use of both legs, and so they eat up 
Ihe hog amongst them. 

The sun was now down, and I steped over to the 
other end of the Hall, with a view of sending to ap- 
prize my friendsj but they had heard what was 
wanting, and I met them in the door, and they 
Went my security. These were two young gentle- 
men, attached to the office of the National Intelli- 
gencer, Messrs. Thomas Bowling and Donohoo,-^ 
Mr. Dowling* I never saw before, and never spoke 
to the other! and though these gentlemen have done 
themselves and the noble fraternity to which they 
belong, immortal honor by this generous act, yet 
all the water of the Potomac will never wash out 
the foul stain of this infamous prosecution. 

Counsellor Jones, it has been said, was compell- 
ed to go to Annapolis to attend the Supreme Court; 
but before he left the city, he sent me word by a 
friend, there Was no law to convict me upon the in- 
dictment, and that not only the bill of rights of 

* I would put those corrupt clerks out atnd put these honest mdi 
in their places, if I had a Vote. 
*2 



is APPENDIX. 

Maryland, but the constitution protected mer-tliat 
the statutes of England was done away by the bill 
of rights — that the common law only of England 
was in force in this country, and my case did not 
come under the common law, and the constitution 
protected the citizen • from all cruel and unusual 
punishments. 

After he went away, however, Judge C ranch 
hunted up an old statute of England, which was 
never in force in this country and was even obso- 
lute in England, since the reign of Queen Anne. 

It had been enacted when England was in a bar- 
barous state, and was only then in force against 
pick-pockets and lude characters!!l and the punish- 
ment was ducking* An eminent lawyer, in a 
neighboring city, apprized me of this also, and 
Mr. Cox himself said " there was no law to pun- 
ish you yesterday, madam, but it appears the Court 
has found one to day!" 

Now I wish to know, if instead of hunting up old 
obsolete statutes, it be not the duty of every Judge 
to support the constitution and the bill of rights 
which are in force in this District? I wish to 
know if every act of a Judge is not upon oath, and 
if it be not their duty to tell the jury what is law 
and what is not law? This they are sworn to do! 
This the Court did not do on this trial. Why did 
the Court not sum up the evidence, and tell the 
jury what it was? I trust the Senate of the United 
States will seek into this matter, and if the Judges 
have violated the constitution, put it out of their 
pow^er to do it a second time. Since our Judiciary 
upites with the good sound Presbyterians, it is 
time for honest men to units too, if there be any. 
No man's life is safe now, as I shall show more 
clearly before I have done. But to go on: all this 
was done, observe, to discover my friends. Now 

* I understand that Cambridge University has rewarded him by 
li, L. D. I had a better opinion of Cambridge. Oh fiel They 
expect another visitation from the witches* 



APPENDIX. 19 

see the piety of these hypocrites. This was late on Saturday even- 
ing. The next, day on the blessed Sabbath, those wretches circula- 
ted a report through the city that I was in prison. This report 
was carefully forwarded to Secretary Eaton's. From the testimo- 
ny he gave in Court he was suspected to be one of those secret 
frjends. General Eaton not knowing them as well then as he does 
now,* immediately signed a bond together with the Postmaster 
General and others who where at his house, and sent a messenger 
off with it to the Marshal to release me: — And any man who 
would not have done so, must have had the heart of a beast. But 
Secretary Eaton had not the honor of being my security, though 
doubtless he would have considered it so. 

In a few days the case was argued, and Mr. Swann was 
beset by the patties, night and day, fqr his tenets. He acted the 
gentleman throughout. His address to the Court was marked 
with great mildness, delicacy and tenderness. He had dressed 
himself uncommonly neat that morning, and seemed to court the 
graces; nor did he court them in vain. He deserves much credit 
for the gentlemanly manner he conducted the prosecution, though 
he very ninocently raised a great laugh, by saying " he did not 
wish to press me too hard." 

Whilst he was speaking, I amused myself looking over the hard 
names in the old English statute. It was equal to Obediab's knots. 

Mr. Cox had collected all the law in the city, and proved in the 
clearest manner I was not a common scoldf as both the Coyle's 
swore this scolding should have been in the Treasury Department! 
and Watterston swore it was in the Library! and never once in the 
streets! whereas a common scold is one who infests the streets| — 

* These men, as I expected, discovering Secretary E. was not a 
brute like themselves, immediately attacked Mrs. E. (whose worth 
they cannot immitate) with charges as foul as they were false and 
malicious. The dastardly cowards! thus to make war upon women! 
One Whiteside, now in the pay of the government (to its disgrace) 
said '* he was glad Mrs. J n was dead, as she was not fit to 
keep company with the ladies of Washington." The members of 
Congress may judge of that. But Mrs. E, being very popular 
from the elegance of her manners and her superior understanding, 
stands in their way. Thus the people can see these Sunday-mail- 
men are for moving every obstacle that opposes them. Another 
falsehood — •' I am in possession of some secrets of Secretary E's 
and lest 1 might disclose them, he is compelled to do every think I 
ask him." I ask no favors of Secretary E! — I want none! not 
have I but one fault to find with him, and that is no secret — which 
is keeping such knaves as they are in office. 

f One who writes as much as I do has not much time to scold. 
From 23d January to 15th May, I wrote and published 3,500 vols. 

I Eve a Webster's Dictionary was appealed to. By the way, I 
have a crow to pick with my friend the North American, for lend- 
ing his paper to some idiot to puff off this twenty years labored 
nonsense. Does the North American think his paper can change 
dross into pure metal? The North American well knows that 
Webster and his Dictionary too, are nothing but a laughing stock 
for the whole country. 



20 APPENMX. 

Capitol Hill being deserted hy every thing but copper heads and 
cats, the cats have talcen possession of the empty houses: these 
have increased till they are formidable. Meeting a troop of these 
cats one evening at my door with a few Toms at their head, I told 
them the next news would be the c— — d's drowned in the canal. 

It appears some of the holy people were going to pray in the 
Engine House, and heard me (so they said on the trial) and took 
it to themselves. How could I help that! I saw some people 
standing near my house at the time, but it being dark I could not 
tell whether they were black or white Injustice to the witness, he 
said I mentioned no names I am sorry, however, I spoke to the 
cats, as I have since been told there are a class of females in Wash- 
ington called CATS. A singular name for a woman. This was all 
the scolding sworn to be in the street! 

Much to the honor of Mr Cox, his defence was able, clear and 
pointed He adverted to the bill of rights! to the constitution! — 
and proved this savage statute had never been in force in this 
country; and deprecated the disgrace of introducing; such an inhu- 
man law into our country — too shocking for men much more an 
aged and respectable female, whose husband had fought for our 
independence. He appealed to the justice and humanity of the 
Court, m a style of feelmg, energy and pathos, that would have 
touched the heart of the most untameable savage, and urged the 
illegibility of the law in toto. Being thrown so many ages back, 
Mr. Cox was compelled to use the phrases of those barbarous ages, 
which was a mixture of Saxton, Roman, and iNorman. While he 
was pleading, I was amused with my sweet Morsel. He kept his 
eyes shut, and looked as though he was peeping into rat holes.—^ 
There was not much amusement in the looks of the other two. — 
Whether it was Coke upon Littleton or Littleton upon Coke, I 
am at a loss to say. Their faces grew as black as the hour they 
were appointed; and seemed to be taking different shapes It was 
complete stage eiTect — nothing wanting but the rack, which was at 
that moment actually secreted in some part' of the building, of 
which I shall speak shortly! 

As it wab a case of much importance, the Court took several 
days to make up their opinion It was surmised this inten-al was 
to ascertain the public voice — " Whether the punishment of duck- 
ing would be surtered to be carried into execution " What the ob- 
ject wras Iknow not. It would have been a serious business, to 
say the least; and no doubt the Court had a hint of this. One Red 
Jacket, at least, was in readiness for them. ' The judgment was 
a fine of ten dollars — the cost tifty — but who paid it, or whether it 
Was ever paid or not, I never heard. 1 was bound to keep the 
peace one year!!! No one hereafter will be surprised at the Bla- 
densburg Races, when they are afraid of an old womanll! Every 
one recollects the drunkards of Capitol Hill, in the Black Book — 
Why were they not bound over to keep the peace? But the main 
plot is yet to rnfold. Between the jjleading and the decision of 
the Couit, Mr. bwann was harrassed to death by the Black-coats 
and every effort was made to incense him against me, and was 
even- threatened (this is gospel) for being too lenient. Finding 
appearances against them, old Mr. Coyle, generally sculking round 
my house, made affidavit that " I met him in the street and abus- 



APPENDIX. ■ 21 

ed him, and called him perjured." " Oh, dear sir," to Mr. Swann, 
" wrap* the mantle of the law around me, and save me from this 
woman." A great beast like him How could so small a woman 
as I, hurt him! If he was afraid, why did he not keep away from 
my house? What brought him tliere? Now the fact was this: — 
running down my steps in a great hurry, one evening, 1 ran plump 
upon Mr. Coyle. I laughed as usual, and said " we vvou'd have 
the pleasure of walking together. " "Ah, old woman," said he "your 
time is short." VVhat do you you threaten, sir? Take care — don't 
go too far" He either wrote or went to Judge Cranch, (can't 
tell which, though I heard the Judge tell it) to complain, and the 
Judge told him the substance must be in the form of an affidavit, 
and he produced the affidavit in Court, which I immed'.ately con- 
tradicted by another. Now 1 should like to know, whether Judges, 
consistent with t^eir oaths, can give advice in matters pending be- 
fore them? 

This rash effort was made to induce the court to condemn me to 
the punishment of ducking, so it is thought. 

To be prepared for this event, they had a machine made at the 
Navy Vard, so constructed, that I could not have survived the op- 
peration! The model was at the City Hall, and consisted of a shaft, 
which, was to be from eleven to fifteen feet in length, and at the 
extremity of this, I was to be fastened — this shaft was to be vfork- 
ed by a windlass, by a great number of people, and was to go 
round like a windmill, with such rapidity, that, from the circum- 
ferance of the sweep, thirty six or perhaps an hundred feet, first 
in the river and then in the air — it w^s said, I could not have sur- 
vived one sweep of the machine! The model* was made at the 
Navy Yard, and brought to the holy people for their approbation, 
and being approved, every thing was to be in readiness at a ino« 
ments warning; when I was to be instantly seized and carried off 
before my friends could fly to my aid — all the boys and negroes, 
and holy people were to be there, and shout and make a great noise; 
and my death, which would have been inevitable, would have been 
ascribed to the coldness of the water! Mr. Coyle could have easi- 
ly sworn fo that. Now these men are (three months since,) still in 
the pay of the government ! ! Old Mr Coyle and his son, both 
hold an office under Mr. Ingham at g2,300 per annum, and the 
son in law holds an office, 1 think, in the General Post Office * 
So goes on reform — I do not say they are to blame, but I dojsay Mr. 
Ingham ought to be displaced for not ridding his office of every 
knave he found in it. 

1 hese are the pious people of Capitol Hill, who convert the hea- 
then — if all the world was like them, how long would it stand ? 

The odium of this infamous persecution, blackens the very face 
of humanity, and will remain an eternal blot on the American char ■ 
acier — and as to the Navy, I hope Congress will regulate that— 
This confirms my suspicions of that department, it is high time 
to dispense with a set of men, who has nothing to do but to make 
machines of death for those who feed and cloath them ! The Se- 



* His holy cloak droped off. 

* The inventor ought to have a patent right. 

* Old Mr. Coyle has been in nineteen years. 



22 APPENDIX. 

cretary of the Navy, bad better hire these fellows out to work on 
the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Secretary Branch, an upright, 
honest man, doubtless, was ignorant of this treachery ; but I trust 
he will investigate the matter, and bring the man to that puviish* 
raent he merits, and as to the Marme Barracks, it is a den of pi- 
rates and it is no longer safe to enter the enclosure, 

It is "due to Mr Ringgold, to say, he treated me throughout with 
kindness and decorum, and Col Brent watched over me night and 
day, though I had a strong party doing the same, of which the 
Coloneil was ignorant But of all the human beings, Master Wal- 
lack was the most attentive This amiable youth hung over my 
chair the whole time, with the affection of a son, and with his head 
bent to my ear, " What can I do for you Mrs. R, tell me what you 
want, I will do it for you. " The bar was also, perfectly respect- 
ful, while the holy people were treated with scorn and contempt. 

Having got through with the trial, I have only room to touch on 
a few leading considerations for the people m their instructions to 
their Representatives in Congress. These thoughts are the more 
readily offered to the people, as they must be convinced I atn under 
the influence of no party — I have no office to hope for, nor any re- 
ward separate from the common good. The subject which calls for 
serious attention, is the efforts making to renew the Sundy Mail 
business nekt session — their efforts are to be double this winter, 
and their point is to be carried if possible — fearful and dangerous 
combinations are forming over the whole country, to effect their pur- 
pose. Should they fail, Congress and the nation are to be pro- 
nounced infidels, of whom Hon R. M Johnston is the principal, 
and of course a holy crusade will be preached up- — and what many 
have expected a civil war must ensue. To reason on such a 
Case, would be madness — it is time to act— they are powerful in 
liumbers and vsrealth, and absolute power is their aim. 

If they succeed in stopping the mall on Sunday, they have gain- 
ed their point and our liberty is done. They have lost ground in 
Pennsylvania, but have gained a most alarming ascendency at the 
seat of government. They have succeeded in gaining the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, indirectly on their side, through their vice- 
general, St. Clark, clerk of the H R. Whose fauU is this? Some 
will say the President's — I say it is the fuult of Congress for keep- 
mg that sly Presbyterian in. office Clark knew their weak side, 
and the wea:k side of Mr I. ar,d expecting to be dismissed next 
session, he has played a capital game — he slipped over to a house 
next door to Mr. Ingham, and the first we knew, wasno two men 
so thick as Mr. I. and Mr C. — one could not walk or ride, or take 
tea without the other. This accounts for Secretary Ingham re- 
taming the Coyles and several others of this dangerous sect in the 
department. Here they are as spies, and c«mmunicite every thing 
to their friends. If the venerable President happens to step into 
the department, or speak a word, ever, his manner of walking is 
turned mto a subject of ridicule. His house is filled with spies un- 
der various pretenses — ihe city is full of them, and Dr. Lly often 
amongst them.* They have also, a feai ful ascendency in our courts. 

* Dr Ely and Chaplain Post, is very thick— hope Congress may 
change their Chaplain, the people want no traitors encouraged. 



APPENDIX. 23 

Many severe and shocking prosecutions have lately taken place, 
under charges of blasphemy, all tried by obsolete laws. They have 
but one step to make — may they fall to rise no more 

Reform goes on quite too slow, though it does require time, 
and to tell the truth, though some very judicious removals have 
been made, I think our new Cabinei is rather cowardly— as one 
of the sovereign people it is just my opinion. I think the fine 
champaign causes the whole of them to forget what they were; 
designed for. 

On the other hand this reform has taught the people a lesson, 
which I trust they will improve substantially for their good. 
They have discovered that the want of rotation in office has cre- 
ated a host of nobility in fact, who consider their feliow-citizens 
born their vassals and bound to maintain them, and that because 
Lord John has succeeded to the place and title of his father — his 
son, the young Count, ought to succeed him, and so' on-^and 
though they are not called by their titles, they assume the pomp, 
receive the revenue, and exercise sncontrolled insolence over their 
tellow citizens — the very source from whence they received their 
power. 

They have also learned that because one of these Lords has a 
pauper relation who may have six or eight children, these ser- 
vants, the People, must maintain him too. Mor it is not enough 
that he be maintained himself, but his whole kindred is clapped 
into office, not because they are capable, but because they are akin 
to the Lord. 1 know several families of these Lords now at this 
moment in ofFce upon no other terms 1 ! ! But the recommesda- 
tion is a large family of children ; so that the Government is 
turned into a noble Poor's House, and one class of citizens have 
nothing to do but " toi beget sons and daughters" for the other 
class to maintain. The People have learned this, though some 
perhaps may not. I will cite a case — Congress found more clerks 
in the Land Office than necessary sometime back, and dismissed a 
part of them by lot, and amongst others the lot fell on one Lord 
Henson. Sometime after this. Lord H. being a kinsman of the 
nobility, gets their vouchers that he has six children, and of 
course the vulgar people ought to maintain them, and he was ac- 
cordingly taken back, and receives $15,00 per annum These 
young Lords are fed and clothed by the hard working people and 
in their turn lord it over them ; and should one of those same peo- 
ple presume to enter one of their Lordship's palices, a black negro 
would slam the door in his face " But why do members of Con- 
gress and the Cabinet select mean, unprincipled men for office ?" 
This has led me to the root of the evil in our Gcvernment— be- 
cause these unprincipled dependents will not tell what they do. 
Now, I would advise Col Graham as a friend (which he is as- 
sured I ani) to discharge Loifd Henson, and if he cannot maintain 
his own children, let him seiTd them to the Poor's House- Is 
Government to maintain every pauper ? I can pick out a dozen 
superanuated old men, perhaps double the number, not worth one 



24 APPENDIX. ^ 

cent — old Baker, McCormack and others, and a dozen in Col. 
Anderson's office, that are cheating the Government, and have 
these twenty years. Let Congress give them a pension if they 
must have the People's money, and not keep them stuck up there, 
by which the People are doul)]e loosers. These old codgers have 
been in since I have known Washington, not worth one cent. This 
is a shameful imposition, and the blackcoats too, the traitors, I can 
not tell how many there are, for they always run and hide when I 
go into the Departments. Another thing, the people complain of, 
is keeping negroes in office They will, however, soon have no 
other sort, as they outnumber the white— In short Congress ou^'ht to appoint a sharp 
eyed committee, and scour out these offices, and fill them fif we are tu pay them 14 
to liOOJg is the least,) with men of principle, an<< who know how to do the business. 
The Cabinet have no right to support paupers on the people's money. 

These are the fellows who cry out. " unwarrantable stretches of power." " It has 
created sentiments [a wise sentence] of universal disapprobation." You may see they 
are knaves by the way they write. "Desolating policy," Was there ever such im- 
pudence. They see like my judges, all on one side. Now the people have maintain- 
ed these fellows, (besides what they filched.) say twenty years, without a murmur.— 
Now what provokes me, is that the President is blamed for this, wiiich I known to 
be false, as he was elected for this very purpose. 

And here we have his Grace St Clark, Lord Buroh. Lord Spiig, Viscount Dunn 
and fifty others whom his Grace has taken under his gracious protection. He U said 
to have secured the Pennsylvaiiia delegation to keen him and his tenantry in office. 
They have pilfered the people this thirty years. But hi? Grace will find there are 
other members who are not blind to the tiesigns of Ids Bibhsip and his pilfering 
rabble. If you drop a dollar, it is gone— y.iur handkerchief the same A fine mari- 
no shawl was sliped of a lady last session. Wood, candles, and stationery goes daily 
from the Capitol. Will the people bear this any longer? I fancy not. Thousands 
of dollars are filched from the people in this way. The Senate too'* It is hoped the 
nationmay be no longer insulted by Lowr> and Machen, thorough going Presbyte- 
rians. I have just seen a piece on the siibjett of Sunday-mail, which must fill every 
one with horror. " We will let Congress know that our rulers shall oljey us." This 
is from the Maine Christian Intelligencer. It would be treason to cherish ^uth vipers 
in the government; and as for Gen. Baily. Gen. Burch. and General Tobias who 
ajjpears to be kept in office upon the ground of charity. Let Congress give them a 
pension, if they can make so free with the people's money, and put officers in who 
are capable of doing their duty. Please let the jieople no longer be burdened with the 
paupers of Washington. 

I .<Jiould like to know why old Love- Lady, usurps the control of a part of the Capi- 
tol. He has taken possession of some part of it, and turned it into ^n engine-house 
to convert negro women— suppose viscount Dunn gave him liberty— hope Congress 
will ferrit him out. 

And there is the Prince Regent Elgar, he has had the caps put en the railings at 
last. Why was this not done five years ago.^ The men carrying a spade full of earth 
at a time, and too hands sweeping the pavement at fifty cents per day, took them a 
week to sweep from the east to the west end of the square. 

He hires by the day to spin out the time, and pulling down work this year, put 
up last, and this is to be pulled down the ensuing year, and whilst he is receiving 16 
or ZfiOOjg per annum. I fancy if the people saw his' splendid corriage and horses, they 
would instruct their representatives to put an end to his regency. 

The army and aavy wants a thorough overhauling, particularly as the great 
struggle is at hand. There appears to be a chi-istian part^' in pohtics in both, and 
we may judge to what side the navy will lean; for the machine made at the navy yard, 
Bnd Gen Gibson, Ge(i. Towson and Maj. Hook are at the head of the CHRIS'lIAN 
party in POLITICS m the Army. This is the work of Dr. Ely and Pope Duffleld 
of Carlisle. ' 

NOTE.— I deeply! lament that the inauguration of the President— the balance of 
the members of eongi^s— the cabinet, the new clerks, and chiefs— many new and in- 
teresting acquaintantes of Washington— several respectable strangers — arrears of 
New York— with sunjry complaints from abroad, Georgetown and Alexaodria, are 
unavoidably postponetl for want of room— but will soon appear. 

Fletcher's the only clerk I would praitec ! 



LXP^* ^^ -^^ 
























< V 6 « <» ^ *^ QV 




• ^^ 



.4.^ 








Deacidifled using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing Agei ~ ' ' 

Treatment Date: 

MAY 1998 
IBBRKEEPER 




PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LP. 
111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



•1 











^^r,-^ 



> s • • , ^>. ^^ <}> e ; 1 • 







.^""■^ 








,< 






^^-n^ 




